Trump endorses Netanyahu for re-election

US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the country's upcoming parliamentary elections on October 27. The polls indicate neither Netanyahu nor the opposition will secure a majority of 61 seats needed to form a government. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social account, expressed his "Complete and Total Endorsement" of Netanyahu, referring to him as a "Great Warrior Prime Minister" and commending his leadership in the war against Iran.

Netanyahu responded by thanking Trump for his "tremendous support" and vowed they would "complete the mission" together, alluding to their joint efforts against Iran. Trump also mentioned Iran's Revolutionary Guards' chant calling for the deaths of both the US and Israel, labeling the two nations as "the big and small Satans." If Netanyahu were not re-elected, Trump stated, the US would have to take on the responsibility of Iran's war alone, which he is unwilling to do.

The war between Israel, the US, and Iran began in February and led to Tehran blocking global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu's challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, criticized Trump's endorsement, emphasizing that the Israeli public decides the country's next leader. Eisenkot appreciated Trump's contribution to Israel's security but stressed that the US administration will adapt to the government chosen by the public.

Netanyahu's election campaign has previously utilized Trump's support to bolster his international standing, such as in 2019 when Likud party billboards featured Netanyahu shaking hands with Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israel's history, faces criticism for his party's role in the October 7 terrorist attack and the subsequent war in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and 74,000 Palestinians.

Despite promising a "total victory" after the war began, opposition supporters argue Netanyahu failed to achieve this goal. Additionally, Netanyahu and his coalition partners have proposed policies like the "wilful migration" of Gaza residents and strengthening Israel's grip on the West Bank, both considered illegal under international law.

Other pressing issues in Israel's elections include conscription of young ultraorthodox men, the cost of living, and Israel's international status.