RismadarVoice Reporters
October 18, 2026
United States President Donald Trump has formally endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27, throwing his support behind the incumbent leader amid a closely contested race.
Trump announced his decision on Sunday through his Truth Social platform, praising Netanyahu’s leadership and describing him as a dependable American ally, particularly during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The US President declared his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Netanyahu, describing the Israeli leader as strong, courageous and capable of protecting his country’s interests.
“BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote.
The endorsement comes just nine days before Israelis head to the polls and follows weeks of uncertainty over whether Trump would publicly support Netanyahu’s re-election bid.
Earlier in October, Trump had avoided directly endorsing the Israeli Prime Minister despite repeated questions about his performance and political future.
However, speaking in a telephone interview on Sunday, Trump insisted that his decision to support Netanyahu had never been in doubt.
“I was always going to do that. I just didn’t want to do it too soon,” he said.
Trump argued that Israel needed a leader capable of maintaining a strong relationship with Washington, particularly as regional tensions and the conflict with Iran continued to dominate international affairs.
The endorsement also comes against the backdrop of reported disagreements between the two leaders over military operations in Lebanon and the wider Middle East.
Despite those tensions, Trump defended their cooperation during the military campaign against Iran, arguing that the operation had weakened Tehran’s military and financial capabilities.
He further suggested that Netanyahu’s defeat could complicate Washington’s approach to regional security.
“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 stated.
Netanyahu’s Likud Party and its coalition partners face a significant challenge from opposition parties seeking to end his leadership.
Among the prominent opposition figures is former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, whose Yashar party is part of efforts to challenge Netanyahu’s political dominance.
The election comes amid growing domestic concerns over Israel’s security, economic pressures and the consequences of the regional conflict.
Trump’s endorsement also carries political implications in the United States, where his administration faces criticism over its handling of the war with Iran.
With the November 3 congressional midterm elections approaching, the conflict has become a contentious domestic issue, particularly over rising energy prices and the economic consequences of prolonged military engagement.
Although Trump has maintained that Netanyahu remains Israel’s strongest option, the final decision rests with Israeli voters, whose choices will determine the composition of the next parliament and the prospects for forming a governing coalition.
