WASHINGTON (TNND) — With Israel heading into its first national election since the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack, President Donald Trump stepped into the race from abroad, publicly backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just nine days before Israelis vote Oct. 27.
Trump endorsed Netanyahu on Truth Social Sunday, calling him a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and a “Partner for Peace” in the war against Iran. Trump also warned that the United States could be left to confront Iran alone if Netanyahu loses.
The endorsement came after Trump had declined to back a candidate days earlier, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Netanyahu responded on X, thanking Trump and writing, “Together we will complete the mission!”
Netanyahu’s main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, pushed back on the outside involvement, saying Israeli voters would decide the election and describing it as a domestic matter.
Polling suggests Netanyahu’s coalition could fall short of the 61 seats needed to form a government. Israel’s prime minister is selected through coalition-building in parliament, not by a direct popular vote.
The Oct. 27 vote comes as Netanyahu faces criticism over security failures and the wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, along with domestic criticism and international scrutiny. Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing in his corruption trial and allegations about his handling of the war.