WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before the crucial Oct. 27 elections, an endorsement that is expected to influence Netanyahu's campaign positively. Trump's popularity among Israeli voters has been a significant factor, especially after Netanyahu had previously linked his political survival to his relationship with the former U.S. president. Notably, Trump's endorsement comes at a critical juncture, as Netanyahu faces re-election amid a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly after the recent Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
In a post on social media, Trump lauded Netanyahu as a "Great Warrior Prime Minister" and emphasized their partnership in combating the Islamic Republic of Iran. This endorsement arrives after a period of relative silence from Trump regarding Netanyahu's campaign, which many viewed as a potential setback for the Prime Minister. In response to Trump's support, Netanyahu expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you, President Trump, for the tremendous support and work together. Together we will complete the mission!" His Likud Party amplified this message by releasing a video showcasing their close working relationship.
The elections are particularly significant as they mark the first national vote since the onset of recent violence, and the race is anticipated to be tightly contested. While Trump maintains a base of support in Israel, many voters have voiced discontent regarding the prolonged conflict with Iran and the perceived shortcomings of Trump's ceasefire proposal. In his social media post, Trump reiterated a commitment to ending hostilities against Iran but suggested that a potential defeat for Netanyahu could lead the U.S. to reconsider its involvement. He warned, "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."
Historically, Trump has offered his backing to Netanyahu in past elections. Additionally, he previously wrote to Israeli President Isaac Herzog advocating for Netanyahu's pardon in connection with corruption charges. However, in the months leading up to the election, Trump's remarks about Netanyahu had become less enthusiastic, culminating in a statement during a recent Time magazine interview where he distanced himself from Israeli politics, despite his active campaigning for U.S. candidates.
Throughout his political career, Trump has aligned himself selectively with foreign leaders, often claiming credit for their electoral successes. He has also characterized his relationships in a range of international contexts, including endorsing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and leaders in Japan, Poland, and several Latin American countries. His dynamic with Netanyahu, characterized by historical camaraderie, showed signs of strain during the ongoing conflict with Iran, prompting criticism of Israel's military strategies and decisions.
The tensions between Trump and Netanyahu became evident as the conflict with Iran persisted. Trump had expressed concerns over Israel's military decisions, particularly criticizing the attack on an Iranian gas field early in the conflict and demonstrating frustration with Israel's approach in the ongoing confrontations with Hezbollah in Lebanon. These disagreements highlight the complexities of U.S.-Israeli relations and the increasingly fraught atmosphere surrounding the election.
In August, Netanyahu publicly rejected Trump's proposed plan to advance stalled ceasefires in Gaza, further straining their traditionally strong partnership. The divergence in their strategies and responses to the shifting political landscape in the Middle East underscores the challenges facing both leaders as they navigate the upcoming election and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
