Trump endorses Netanyahu in Israeli legislative elections

What the report says

United States President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s parliamentary election scheduled for October 27, according to Al Jazeera. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Netanyahu a strong and brave leader and said he was offering a complete endorsement. The backing comes as Netanyahu and his Likud Party, along with their right-wing coalition partners, face a competitive race against an opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot.

Al Jazeera reported that Trump’s support follows some earlier uncertainty about whether he would publicly back Netanyahu. Earlier this month, when asked about Netanyahu’s performance, Trump avoided giving a direct answer. The article also notes that the two leaders have had both close ties and reported disagreements since January 2025, including tensions over the war involving Iran and related regional conflicts.

The endorsement matters because Trump has been a major international ally for Netanyahu, and his comments may influence perceptions of the Israeli vote. Al Jazeera also placed the statement in the wider context of Trump’s foreign-policy record and the domestic pressures he faces in the United States, including criticism over the war and its economic effects. More broadly, the piece suggests the Israeli election is taking place amid heightened regional instability and scrutiny over Netanyahu’s leadership.