Trump Endorses Netanyahu Ahead of Israel Election

U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection on October 18, tying his support to the two countries’ confrontation with Iran and warning that the United States might have to face Tehran without Israel if voters chose another leader. Israel’s parliamentary election is scheduled for October 27, 2026. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Netanyahu’s leadership and described him as a partner in confronting Iran. He said his message represented his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Netanyahu’s bid to remain prime minister. Trump also claimed Iran had been weakened militarily and financially and warned of further action if it did not change course. Those assessments and the warning were Trump’s statements; the reports did not establish what steps Washington would take under a different Israeli government. Netanyahu thanked Trump publicly, saying their joint work would complete the mission. In comments responding to the endorsement, he presented the relationship with the U.S. president as important to Israel’s security and urged voters to consider Trump’s position. The support gives Netanyahu a prominent public endorsement in the...