President Trump waded into Israel's upcoming elections on Sunday, throwing his full support behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and warning that a change in leadership could force Washington to take unilateral action against Iran.
In a post on his Truth Social platform addressed to “the Great People of Israel,” Trump hailed Netanyahu—whom he referred to by his nickname, “Bibi”—as “a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace.” He specifically cited Netanyahu's stance against the Islamic Republic of Iran, referencing the regime's longstanding “Death to Israel, Death to America” rhetoric.
Trump's endorsement carried an implicit threat: “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.” He praised Netanyahu as “Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself.”
The former president framed the endorsement as a reflection of U.S. expectations, calling Netanyahu “the kind of Partner that the United States of America is demanding of Israel, a Country for which it has done so much.” He closed his message with a flourish: “BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Netanyahu, who first became prime minister in 1996 and returned to power in 2009, has been a fixture of Israeli politics for decades. After losing the office to Ehud Barak in 1999, he regained it in 2009 and held it until 2021, when he was briefly replaced. He returned to power in 2022.
Despite his long alliance with U.S. leaders, Netanyahu has faced significant legal troubles at home. He was indicted in 2019 on charges of fraud and bribery, and his request for a presidential pardon was denied by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The endorsement comes amid intense scrutiny of Netanyahu's conduct during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed roughly 1,200 Israelis, Israel launched a military operation that has resulted in the deaths of more than 74,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Netanyahu has denied allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to that operation.
Trump's intervention may carry weight with Israeli voters, but it also underscores the delicate balance of U.S.-Israel relations, particularly as domestic political tensions over foreign policy continue to simmer. His comments about Iran echo broader debates in Washington, where some lawmakers have raised concerns about the administration's approach to Tehran. The endorsement also comes as bipartisan anger over sanctions waivers continues to roil Congress.
Netanyahu's campaign has sought to project strength on security issues, and Trump's backing could reinforce that message. However, critics point to the prime minister's legal troubles and the humanitarian toll in Gaza as potential vulnerabilities. The election, set for later this week, will determine whether Netanyahu secures another term or faces a new political reality.
