Donald Trump posted a message expressing support for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's leader, ahead of the Israeli parliamentary election next week, which will also determine the prime minister's position.
On Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 GMT+7, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social declaring his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies as Netanyahu, a longtime incumbent, struggles to gain an advantage in the upcoming parliamentary election next week.
“To the great people of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu is a great warrior prime minister and an even greater peace ally in the fight against the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with their 51 years of long cries saying ‘Death to Israel, death to America! We will destroy the little devil and the big devil.’”
“Which country could survive if such words are allowed? Ultimately, these things often become reality. It is only a matter of time before Iran makes those ominous words come true, but they have been systematically destroyed both militarily and financially. Unless they change their behavior quickly, we will finish this job soon.”
“If Israel has the wrong leader—that is, anyone other than Bibi—America will have to undertake this mission itself, and I do not want to do that. Bibi Netanyahu.”
“Bibi Netanyahu is strong, courageous, and wise when facing enormous opposition, including resistance from within Israel itself. Despite all these obstacles, he has endured and, in fact, has thrived!”
“I have seen Bibi at his toughest moments. An average man or woman in such circumstances would have given in to pressure—but Bibi never faltered. He grew stronger and has maintained that strength to this day. This is the kind of ally the United States demands from Israel, a country to which America has done so much.”
“Please accept this letter as my full and complete support for Bibi Netanyahu in the upcoming election to remain Israel's prime minister. Bibi Netanyahu will never let you down! Thank you for your attention on this matter. Donald J. Trump, President of the United States.”
This is another instance where Donald Trump breaks longstanding U.S. protocol by openly supporting candidates in other countries' elections. Previously, he has endorsed candidates in Hungary, Colombia, Argentina, Japan, and Honduras.
Trump’s endorsement may no longer boost Netanyahu and his right-wing Likud party's vote share as it once did, since Israeli support for Trump has waned amid disagreements between Israel and the U.S. over Iran policy.
Recent opinion polls remain inconclusive about which candidate is likely to win the parliamentary election on 27 October, which will determine Israel’s next prime minister.
This election marks Israel’s first parliamentary vote since the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 GMT+7, which sparked ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and spread to Lebanon and Iran.
However, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump on platform X, stating, “We will work together to accomplish this mission!”
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Source:cna