Former President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection on Sunday, according to statements posted on social media. Trump described Netanyahu as a "Great Warrior Prime Minister" and a "Partner for Peace" in efforts regarding Iran.
Netanyahu's government includes senior officials who are settlers and has faced domestic criticism concerning security failures, as well as international criticism regarding the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Netanyahu has remained "Strong, Brave, and Brilliant" despite opposition from within Israel. Netanyahu responded on X, formerly Twitter, thanking Trump for his support and stating they would "complete the mission" together. Netanyahu's Likud Party released a video featuring clips of the two leaders as part of the announcement.
The relationship between the two has fluctuated during a nearly eight-month war with Iran that began in February. While they collaborated on strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in 2025, they have recently disagreed over a ceasefire proposal. Trump stated that if Israel elects a leader other than Netanyahu, the U.S. might have to "do this work ourselves" regarding Iran, an option he noted he was "not inclined to do."
For Israeli voters, the outcome of this election could influence the direction of the ongoing conflict with Iran. The source indicates that some Israeli commentators have expressed disappointment in the results of the Iran war thus far.
The endorsement also outlines a potential shift in how defense cooperation is communicated, with Trump mentioning U.S. military involvement linked to the election of a specific foreign leader. The Israeli national elections on October 27 will determine if Netanyahu maintains his position as Prime Minister.