Trump Endorses Netanyahu For Reelection

President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his reelection bid.

In a post to Truth Social, the president applauded Netanyahu for his continued support of the U.S., including in the war against Iran, as he praised the prime minister for being “a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

“Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself,” said Trump. “Despite all of that, he has endured and, in fact, he has thrived! I have watched Bibi under the most trying of times. Normal men or women in such situations would have wilted under the pressure — But Bibi did not wilt, he actually got stronger, and maintains that same Strength today.”

He added, “BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Netanyahu on Sunday in a post to social media thanked Trump for his “tremendous support” and vowed that “together we will complete the mission!”

In a second post later Sunday, Netanyahu said he was "honored and humbled" by Trump's "extraordinary endorsement."

"I can say — and that's easy — there has never been a greater friend of Israel in the White House. That's an understatement," Netanyahu said.

He then praised Trump for his "laser focus" on eliminating the Iranian "threat" and for having "remarkable leadership" as he warned Americans that only Trump can defeat Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Trump’s endorsement comes just nine days before Israeli citizens will decide whether to reelect Netanyahu, and only a few days after he refused to endorse any candidate during an interview with Newsmax. Netanyahu has served as prime minster since 2022 after previously serving from 1996 to 1999 and from 2009 to 2021.

The relationship between the two leaders has appeared to weaken in recent months as the war with Iran has dragged on. Tensions between the Israeli government and the Trump administration have risen over the war, the Gaza conflict and settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. In August, Netanyahu rejected Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. Before that, in June, Trump called Netanyahu “crazy.” Trump has also expressed frustration over Israel's ongoing conflict with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, saying Israeli attacks there were hindering talks with Iran.

Still, Trump on Sunday appeared to indicate that Israel will help the U.S. end the war in Iran, writing that “unless they change their ways, rapidly, we will soon finish the job.”

“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,” Trump added.

Iran appeared to be top of mind for Netanyahu as well. In his video Sunday, the prime minister spoke directly to American voters about the war.

"Let me say to the American people, if you're worried about today's gas prices, think of what will happen if Iran gets nuclear weapons, something Donald Trump and I will never allow," Netanyahu said. "When that happens, when the threat of that regime disappears, gas prices will go down and how. But only under Trump. It's not going to happen with those who want to accommodate and appease these tyrants, these butchers."

Despite tensions, Trump’s endorsement isn’t completely surprising: Netanyahu heavily praised Trump during an appearance at the United Nations last month, and, in previous election years, billboards showcasing Trump and Netanyahu together have dotted Israeli highways. In January 2013, during an earlier Netanyahu reelection bid, Trump starred in a video telling voters Netanyahu is a “winner” and “highly respected.”

The Oct. 27 election will be the first national elections since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Netanyahu’s main opponent this election cycle is Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot. He previously served as chief of the general staff of the Israel Defense Forces. A sharp critic of Netanyahu, Eisenkot has called for a full investigation into the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, accusing Netanyahu of “trying in every way to bury” the tragedy while refusing to investigate and “learn from it in order to prevent the next disaster.”

Of particular interest are reports that Netanyahu and his government disregarded credible warnings about the attack.