President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election, nine days before Israelis go to the polls.
Trump posted the endorsement on Truth Social on Sunday, October 18, calling Netanyahu a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and “an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He wrote that the post should serve as his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Netanyahu in the race.
Israelis vote on October 27, in the first national election since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu faces centrist rivals hoping to end his time in power after one of the most consequential periods in the country’s history.
According to the Associated Press, the endorsement is one Trump had withheld for months as the two leaders’ strategies in the Middle East diverged. Netanyahu had billed his close ties to Trump as a reason for voters to keep him in office.
Trump also wrote that Netanyahu “has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself,” and warned that with the wrong leader “America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so,” referring to pressure on Iran.
Source: Reuters
