Trump Backs Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Elections

On Sunday evening, President Donald Trump reiterated his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel prepared for elections on Tuesday. He encouraged voters to reelect Netanyahu, emphasizing the need to “finish the job” concerning Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged, “Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister; we have to finish the job that we started!”

In his endorsement, Trump highlighted their collaboration that led to military successes against Iran, particularly operations targeting the country’s nuclear capabilities and severely impacting its military strength.

“Bibi and I have had a great relationship in winning together,” he wrote, mentioning Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury, which aimed at crippling Iran’s capabilities.

He noted, “Then we did Operation Epic Fury, and Iran now has No Navy, No Air Force, and both their Military and Economy are in shambles.”

Trump criticized Iran’s economic situation, claiming inflation had soared to 301 percent and attributed this to the U.S. naval blockade, which he said hampered their oil revenue. He also referenced the removal of various levels of Iran’s military and political leaders.

He urged Israelis to reflect on Netanyahu’s accomplishments when casting their votes, labeling him an “outstanding Warrior Prime Minister.”

Additionally, Trump brought up Iran’s persistent threats against both Israel and the United States, stating that the calls of “Death to America, Death to Israel” cannot be ignored.

This endorsement came after reports indicated Netanyahu privately sought Trump’s support for the campaign, having spoken with him twice in the preceding days to reinforce backing and suggest language for supportive statements.

However, Netanyahu’s Likud party pushed back against the notion that he sought Trump’s campaigning assistance, with spokesperson Neta Molcho stating that the prime minister did not ask for support at any time.

Trump’s endorsement on Sunday echoed his previous comments, in which he warned that Iran had already suffered major military and economic losses and hinted that the U.S. and Israel would “soon finish the job” if the Iranian regime did not change course quickly.

He cautioned that if Netanyahu were defeated, the U.S. might have to confront Iran on its own, which he wouldn’t prefer. “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,” he stated.

Netanyahu responded to Trump’s prior endorsement with a declaration, “Together we will complete the mission!”

This renewed support arrives as Trump contemplates whether to negotiate with Tehran or resort to further military action. “Do I make a deal with them or do I finish them off? That’s the only question,” he articulated during an interview on Fox News.

As the elections approach, final polls indicated that neither Netanyahu’s coalition nor the opposition bloc was expected to secure the 61 seats necessary for a majority in Israel’s 120-seat parliament.

Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu released a campaign video featuring an AI-generated image of a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv, warning of a potential “second Holocaust” if Iran were allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

During a visit to an Israeli missile-defense site, he also hinted at concerns that Iran and its proxies could initiate attacks to disrupt the election, based on Israeli intelligence. Netanyahu cautioned Tehran against challenging Israel, promising a harsh response to any aggression.

As Israelis head to the polls on Tuesday, the influence of Trump’s renewed endorsement of Netanyahu remains uncertain.