not everywhere· Politics· Updated 21:41

Behind Trump's Netanyahu Endorsement: Opposition Efforts and Internal US Debate

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's upcoming legislative elections on October 27. In a social media post, Trump called Netanyahu a "great warrior" and a vital partner in confronting Iran, warning that any other leader would be a "mistake" and might force the U.S. to act against Iran alone. Trump praised Netanyahu's resilience under pressure, stating that he has shown strength and courage in the face of considerable opposition.

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What happened

01Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday ahead of the October 27 elections.
02Trump called Netanyahu a great partner against Iran and warned the U.S. might act alone if Israel chooses another leader.
03Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support, stating they would complete the mission together.
04National Unity chairman Gadi Eisenkot asserted that only Israeli citizens will decide who their prime minister will be.
05Defense Minister Yisrael Katz called Trump's statement an important strategic message for Israel's future security.
06Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, actively tried to prevent Trump from endorsing Netanyahu before the elections.
07A source in the change bloc suggested Trump's endorsement was compensation for Netanyahu's refusal to attack Iran.
08The endorsement comes as most polls show Netanyahu's coalition falling short of the 61 seats needed to form a government.

Netanyahu responded by thanking Trump for his support and stating that they would complete the mission together. Meanwhile, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, the chairman of the National Unity party, asserted that only Israeli citizens will determine their prime minister. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz described Trump's endorsement as a very important strategic message regarding Israel's future security.

The endorsement followed intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Netanyahu's camp actively sought Trump's backing, while opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, attempted to prevent it through contacts with Trump's circle and Miriam Adelson. According to Kan News, a source in the opposition change bloc suggested the endorsement was compensation for Netanyahu's refusal to attack Iran. The public backing comes as polls show Netanyahu's coalition falling short of the 61 seats needed to form a government.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 10 newsrooms. Updated 22:12