From Malay Mail · · 2m
Trump backs Netanyahu ahead of Israeli election
Trump endorses Netanyahu for Israeli re-election, warns voters to avoid rivals.
In brief
Trump endorses Netanyahu for Israeli re-election, warns voters to avoid rivals. Trump endorsed Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27 election, warning voters to choose only Netanyahu to avoid U.S. involvement in potential conflict. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Trump endorses Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's parliamentary election on October 27, 2023.
“Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself”
Netanyahu's re-election campaign
Netanyahu touted his close relationship with Trump, saying together they had 'crushed Iran' and would work to 'eliminate the Iranian threat over the next two years, or even sooner'.
“together we have accomplished extraordinary things”
Election context
Netanyahu faces tight election race with opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, who regularly accuses him of bearing personal responsibility for the October 7 Hamas-led attack.
“Israel is a democratic country, only Israelis can choose their leaders”
Trump's warning
Trump warned voters against electing anyone other than Netanyahu, stating that if they chose rivals, 'America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so'.
“America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so”
Iranian response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Netanyahu was 'driving America into another war' and that Iran has 'unfinished jobs too'.
“Last time you wanted to 'finish the job', Iran emerged even stronger. Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too”
Election dynamics
Current polls show neither Netanyahu's bloc nor Eisenkot's party can win the 61 seats needed to control the 120-seat parliament and form a governing coalition.
“About seven million Israelis will be eligible to vote in the legislative election”
Netanyahu's background
Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has served on and off for more than 19 years and returned to power in December 2022.
“Netanyahu, who turns 77 on October 21, is Israel's longest-serving prime minister, having served on and off for more than 19 years”
Voter warning
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of a brewing 'crisis' in the occupied West Bank after an American photojournalist was injured in a brutal attack by Israeli settlers.
“We’re very disturbed by those images and what we’re seeing”
Netanyahu's response
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support, writing that together they would 'complete the mission' and that he asked voters to listen carefully to Trump's message.
“Thank you, President Trump, for your tremendous support and for our work together. Together we will complete the mission!”
Election significance
The election is seen as a referendum on Netanyahu, who faces criticism over his handling of the October 7 Hamas-led attack and recent West Bank violence.
“The endorsement comes less than two weeks before Israel's first election since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack”
The bottom line
Trump endorsed Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27 election, warning voters to choose only Netanyahu to avoid U.S. involvement in potential conflict.
