Netanyahu's party lags in polls ahead of first election since Oct. 7, 2023

President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a second time on Sunday, urging Americans to vote for Netanyahu when they go to the polls. Trump praised Netanyahu as an "outstanding Warrior Prime Minister" and highlighted their strong relationship, mentioning their joint victories in Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury. He emphasized the need to "finish the job" they began together.

Netanyahu has been ramping up his efforts to secure additional support from Trump, according to reports from The Jerusalem Post. American sources confirmed to the Post that Netanyahu and his allies within Trump's inner circle were pressuring the president for new endorsements. Netanyahu's desperation is evident, they noted.

Axios reported that Netanyahu and Trump had spoken twice in the past three days, and Netanyahu even offered possible wording for new endorsements. An Israeli source familiar with the efforts told Axios that Netanyahu proposed having Trump speak with Israeli journalists to reiterate his support.

Trump also made clear the potential consequences of choosing a different leader for Israel. He cautioned that if Israel had the "wrong leader," America would have to take on the confrontation with Iran itself, a prospect Trump was not eager to pursue.