President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection Sunday, calling him a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and an indispensable American ally in confronting Iran, as Netanyahu faces a closely contested battle to retain power. In a lengthy Truth Social post addressed “To the Great People of Israel,” Trump offered his strongest possible backing for the Israeli leader
Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published October 18, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election, declaring his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of the incumbent leader as he highlighted their partnership and shared opposition to Iran.
In a statement posted on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump praised Netanyahu as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and an important partner in confronting the Islamic Republic of Iran. He also described the Israeli leader as strong, brave and brilliant despite facing significant opposition, including within Israel itself.
Trump’s endorsement marks a shift from his earlier reluctance to publicly support Netanyahu’s reelection campaign. In recent interviews, the president had avoided committing to an endorsement, saying he had not decided whether to intervene in the Israeli election.
Trump Links Netanyahu’s Leadership to Iran Policy
Trump’s statement emphasized the importance of maintaining a close U.S.-Israeli partnership, particularly in addressing the threat posed by Iran.
“If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so,” Trump wrote, referring to Netanyahu by his familiar nickname.
The president also warned that the United States could resume military action against Iran if Tehran failed to change its policies. His remarks tied his support for Netanyahu to the two countries’ security cooperation and their campaign against the Iranian government.
Trump’s endorsement could provide a political boost to Netanyahu, who has long presented his relationship with the American president as an advantage for Israel’s diplomatic and security interests.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support in a statement posted on X, saying the two leaders would work together to complete their mission. His Likud Party also shared a video featuring footage of the two leaders together.
Election Could Determine Netanyahu’s Political Future
Israel is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on October 27, 2026. The vote will be the country’s first national election since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, an event that triggered a prolonged regional conflict involving Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
Netanyahu faces a politically consequential contest as voters assess his leadership during the war, the country’s security situation and his government’s handling of regional threats.
Trump’s intervention is also notable because the American president had previously refrained from directly endorsing Netanyahu despite their longstanding alliance. Their relationship has experienced tensions over military strategy, Iran and efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Although Trump remains a prominent figure in Israeli politics, the effect of his endorsement on the election remains uncertain. The outcome will depend on Israeli voters, the performance of the competing parties and whether Netanyahu can maintain sufficient parliamentary support to form a government.
The October 27 election will determine whether Netanyahu remains prime minister or whether his political rivals can secure the support needed to replace his government.
