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

Trump's endorsement, which also took the form of an official letter addressed to the citizens of Israel, praised Netanyahu's resilience, strength, and courage under immense political pressure from both inside and outside Israel. Netanyahu quickly welcomed the endorsement, sharing a video compilation of Trump's past praise and thanking him on social media, stating that they would complete their mission together. Ministers from Netanyahu's bloc hailed the message as a strategic boost for his campaign.

In contrast, opposition figures and rivals, including Gadi Eisenkot, reacted by asserting that the election is an internal Israeli matter and that Israeli citizens alone will decide their next prime minister. According to Kan News, opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, had actively engaged in behind-the-scenes efforts to prevent Trump from issuing the endorsement. Lapid confirmed his involvement in these efforts, which included contacts with Trump's circle and Miriam Adelson.

Political analysts are divided on the potential impact of Trump's unprecedented intervention. Some commentators suggest the endorsement could sway three to five percent of undecided voters toward the Likud party, shifting the focus of the election to security and the Iranian threat. Others express skepticism, noting that Netanyahu's supporters do not need the endorsement to be convinced, while polls continue to show the opposition bloc ahead of Netanyahu's coalition.