Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nine days before Israel’s parliamentary election, a vote taking place for the first time since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Trump praised Netanyahu as a “great warrior prime minister” and a key partner in confronting Iran, warning that without Netanyahu, the United States would be compelled to take on that responsibility alone. The endorsement comes after months of strained relations between the two leaders, though they have coordinated military action against Iran. Trump’s backing is seen as a boost for Netanyahu, who faces a tight race and criticism over security failures and treatment of Palestinians, but its impact is uncertain given diminishing Israeli support for the former US president.
Trump framed Netanyahu’s leadership as essential to weakening Iran, both militarily and financially, threatening further action unless Tehran changes course. He specifically cited Iran’s longstanding slogan, “Death to Israel, Death to America,” as a threat that Netanyahu has effectively countered. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so.” Netanyahu responded with thanks on X, stating they would “complete the mission” together.
The endorsement follows a period of speculation about whether Trump would support Netanyahu, with reports of disagreements over the war with Iran and other conflicts. The two leaders had jointly launched a war against Iran in February, but the conflict has disrupted global energy markets and drawn domestic criticism for Trump. Some sources reported Trump previously described Netanyahu as “f***ing crazy” during a phone call, frustrated with Israeli actions in Lebanon. While the US and Israel have coordinated strikes on Iran, disagreements have emerged over how to proceed. Polls suggest a potential deadlock in the upcoming election, with neither Netanyahu’s coalition nor the opposition bloc currently projected to secure a majority.
Our reading is that Trump’s endorsement of Netanyahu, despite past friction, is a calculated move leveraging shared concerns about Iran. The statement explicitly ties US support to Netanyahu’s continued leadership, suggesting a transactional approach to international relations. While the endorsement’s impact on the election is uncertain, it highlights the ongoing strategic importance of the US-Israeli relationship, particularly regarding Iran, even amidst internal political pressures in both countries.
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