Netanyahu warns Iran or proxies may target Israeli elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intensifying his efforts to secure additional backing from President Trump ahead of Israel's closely contested election on Tuesday. According to U.S. and Israeli sources, Netanyahu has been in contact with the president over the past few days, urging him to lend more public support to his campaign.

The U.S. source noted that the White House views Netanyahu's persistent lobbying as a "sign of desperation," suggesting he believes he is trailing in the polls. However, Netanyahu's spokesperson, Neta Molcho, denied that the prime minister requested Trump's support in recent days or before his public endorsement.

Trump previously stated in an interview that individuals in Israel approached him to assist Netanyahu. Behind the scenes, Netanyahu reportedly engaged in multiple conversations with Trump in the last three days, requesting he amplify his endorsement posted on Truth Social last week. Additionally, Netanyahu suggested that Trump initiate calls with Israeli journalists to further demonstrate support.

After weeks of uncertainty, Trump endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday, explicitly warning that a defeat could have repercussions for U.S.-Israel relations. Despite having no prior personal connections with the other candidates, Trump and Netanyahu have developed a complex relationship.

Recent pre-election polls from three major Israeli television networks revealed that Netanyahu's coalition is projected to fall short of a parliamentary majority, with just 50 seats for his bloc in the 120-member Knesset – 17 fewer than his current coalition holds. Meanwhile, an opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is expected to secure 52 to 56 seats, while two Arab Israeli parties could capture 14 to 16 seats.

While some U.S. officials see the endorsement as a mutually beneficial arrangement, with Trump potentially garnering political capital if Netanyahu remains in power and still having leverage if his rival wins, his advisers express potential opportunities for advancing their Middle East agenda under an alternative Israeli government.