Trump wades into Israel’s election to back ally Netanyahu

Endorsing Netanyahu, Trump suggests Israel's election could shape future U.S. military action against Iran Published October 18, 2026 1:15PM (EDT) Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with his strongest ally President Trump at the White House in July 2026. (Anadolu / Getty Images) President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection Sunday, warning Israeli voters against choosing the “wrong Leader” just nine days before the country’s national election. In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump praised Netanyahu as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and a partner in confronting Iran, while suggesting that electing someone else could complicate future U.S. military action against Tehran. “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 wrote. Trump also threatened to “soon finish the job” against Iran unless its leaders “change their ways, rapidly.” The endorsement marks a shift for Trump, who had spent months declining to publicly back Netanyahu despite their longstanding alliance. Earlier this month, when asked whether he supported Netanyahu’s reelection, Trump told Time magazine, “I’m not involved in politics anymore.” Their relationship has been strained by disagreements over the nearly eight-month war with Iran, Israeli military operations in Lebanon and efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu welcomed Sunday’s endorsement. President Trump, my friend Donald – thank you for your extraordinary endorsement. Israel has never had a greater friend in the White House. Together we will never let Iran’s regime get nuclear weapons. Thank you for your clarity, courage and unwavering support. @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/GqaOVB74Dj — Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 18, 2026 “Thank you, President Trump, for the tremendous support and work together,” Netanyahu wrote on X. “Together we will complete the mission!” His Likud party also circulated a campaign video featuring the two leaders. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Netanyahu faces a competitive election against opposition parties led by figures including former military chief Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Recent polls suggest Netanyahu’s governing bloc could fall short of the 61 seats needed to command a majority in Israel’s 120-member parliament. Trump has increasingly departed from the traditional U.S. practice of avoiding explicit endorsements in foreign elections, backing candidates in countries including Hungary, Japan and Argentina. Israelis vote Oct. 27 in their first national election since Hamas’ October 2023 attack. Related Topics ------------------------------------------ Related Articles