US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection, a move that could influence the outcome of the October 27 parliamentary elections. The endorsement comes as Netanyahu's Likud Party faces a tight race against an opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot.
Trump's endorsement follows a recent shift in stance, with the president previously avoiding direct support for Netanyahu. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Netanyahu for his role in the war against Iran, stating 'Bibi Netanyahu will never let you down.' The endorsement is part of Trump's broader strategy of endorsing foreign leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
The endorsement is expected to bolster Netanyahu's position, but the outcome of the election remains uncertain. Polls indicate a close race, with neither Netanyahu nor the opposition likely to secure the 61 seats needed to form a coalition. Trump's support is seen as a key factor, though Israeli public opinion remains divided over the war against Iran and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu has faced criticism for his leadership, including disagreements with Trump over the war against Iran and the handling of the Gaza conflict. Despite the endorsement, Netanyahu's far-right coalition is under pressure, with opposition leaders emphasizing that Israel's democratic process will ultimately determine the outcome.