Former President Donald Trump is backing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud Party ahead of the Knesset elections on October 27. He is encouraging Israeli voters to choose what he describes as a “great warrior” and a key U.S. “partner for peace” during the ongoing multi-front conflict with Iran and its nuclear ambitions.
In a strong endorsement shared on Sunday, Trump expressed his admiration for Netanyahu’s resilience in tough situations. “Normal men or women in such situations would have wilted under the pressure,” he remarked. “But Bibi did not wilt; he actually got stronger, and maintains that same Strength today.”
Trump emphasized that Israel needs a reliable partner, stating, “This is the kind of Partner that the United States of America is demanding of Israel.” He concluded with a clear endorsement: “Please let this Letter serve to represent my Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his upcoming Race for Re-election as Prime Minister of Israel.”
Netanyahu, in response, thanked Trump on social media for his strong support and expressed confidence in their mission together.
In the Israeli elections, parties will vie for control over the 120-seat Knesset. Voters will select party lists, and seats will be allocated proportionally, as long as parties meet the 3.25% threshold. After the vote, the Israeli president will consult with party heads to appoint a Knesset member, usually the one most capable of forming a coalition, to establish a government. This candidate must garner the backing of at least 61 members of the Knesset.
Current predictions indicate that Likud may secure between 18 to 22 seats, while a Netanyahu-aligned right-religious coalition, which includes other parties, is expected to achieve around 49 to 51 seats. This outcome would still fall short of a majority, leaving smaller parties and potential coalition partners to hold the balance of power.
