Trump backs Netanyahu in final push before Israeli vote
The US president urged voters to keep the current prime minister in power, warning that Washington may handle the Iran confrontation alone if a rival takes office.
By Andrew Foster ·
President Donald Trump issued a second endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening, just days before Israel holds its general election. The message appeared on Truth Social and framed the upcoming vote as a decision between continuing a successful partnership or facing a more solitary American role in the region.
Trump praised Netanyahu, whom he referred to as Bibi, for serving as an outstanding warrior prime minister. He cited Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury as evidence that the two leaders have been winning together. The post concluded with a direct instruction to vote for Netanyahu to finish the work already started.
The endorsement followed reports that Netanyahu had intensified his push for fresh support from the White House. Two American sources told The Jerusalem Post that Netanyahu and his allies within the US president’s inner circle were increasing pressure for new statements. One source described the prime minister’s behavior as showing signs of political desperation, a state they said was unprecedented for him.
An earlier report from Axios provided additional details on the recent communications between the two leaders. It stated that Netanyahu and Trump spoke twice in the previous three days. According to an Israeli source briefed on the matter, Netanyahu suggested specific wording for the endorsement and proposed that Trump speak directly with Israeli journalists to reaffirm his support.
Trump included a specific warning regarding the potential outcome of the election. He stated that if Israel elects a leader other than Netanyahu, America will have to handle the job itself. The Jerusalem Post identified this job as the ongoing confrontation with Iran. Trump added that he is not inclined to take on that burden alone.
The timing of the post aligns with the final days of the Israeli election campaign. The message combines praise for the incumbent, a direct appeal to voters, and a conditional threat regarding US foreign policy. It arrives as Netanyahu actively seeks public backing from Washington to sway undecided voters in the final hours before the polls open.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
