Trump endorses Netanyahu as 'great warrior prime minister' before elections

Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, calling him a “great warrior prime minister” as Israel heads toward a national election on 31 October. The former U.S. president made the remarks at a press conference in Washington, where he said Netanyahu’s leadership is “strong, decisive and essential for Israel’s security.” Trump’s endorsement comes just weeks before Israelis vote to decide the composition of the Knesset and the next government.

Trump’s support matters because he remains a powerful voice in Republican circles and has cultivated a close relationship with Netanyahu over the past four years. The two leaders met repeatedly during Trump’s presidency, and the former president helped broker the Abraham Accords that normalized ties between Israel and several Arab states. Netanyahu, meanwhile, is seeking a third consecutive term after a year of political turbulence, including a failed coalition attempt and ongoing corruption investigations that have kept him off the bench for months. The endorsement signals to right‑wing voters in the United States that the administration’s foreign policy will likely continue to back Netanyahu’s hard‑line stance on Iran and the Palestinian issue.

Israeli officials welcomed the praise but cautioned that foreign endorsements do not decide Israeli ballots. Netanyahu’s Likud party is currently locked in negotiations with several smaller right‑wing and religious parties to form a governing coalition. Opponents, including centrist and left‑leaning groups, argue that Netanyahu’s legal troubles and his approach to the Palestinian conflict could alienate moderate voters. In Washington, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States “continues to support a strong, secure Israel” but would not comment on individual endorsements.

The election on 31 October will determine whether Netanyahu can secure a majority or be forced into a coalition that curtails his power. If he wins, the U.S. is likely to maintain its current level of military aid and diplomatic backing. A defeat could shift Israel’s foreign policy and open space for more moderate leaders to pursue renewed peace talks. Both sides will watch the results closely, as the outcome will shape Middle East dynamics and U.S. influence in the region for years to come.