# Trump endorses Netanyahu days before Israeli election

> Donald Trump backs Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election as Israeli Prime Minister, despite recent tensions over Middle East strategy.
- Title: Trump endorses Netanyahu days before Israeli election · TIME
- Summary: Donald Trump backs Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election as Israeli Prime Minister, despite recent tensions over Middle East strategy. Trump endorsed Netanyahu…
- Keywords: benjamin netanyahu, donald trump, israel election, likud party, yashar party, gadi eisenkot, iran, middle east, Trump, endorses, Netanyahu, days
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/10/19/trump-netanyahu-israel-election-endorsement
- Author: Chad de Guzman
- Published: 2026-10-19T10:30:14.086+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: benjamin netanyahu, donald trump, israel election, likud party, yashar party, gadi eisenkot, iran, middle east
## Trump backs Netanyahu on Truth Social
U.S. President Donald Trump posted his endorsement of Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, days before Israel's general election. Trump called Netanyahu a great warrior and partner for peace.

> Bibi Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran.
## Election timing and recent tensions
Israelis vote on October twenty-seventh, three years after the war with Hamas began. Trump and Netanyahu have disagreed recently over how to handle the Middle East conflict.
## Trump's reason for the endorsement
Trump told Axios reporter Barak Ravid he had always meant to endorse Netanyahu because they have a good relationship and will continue doing good things together.
## The Iran threat argument
Trump said if Israel had the wrong leader, the U.S. would face the Iran threat alone. The U.S. and Israel jointly struck Iran in late February, upending global markets.
## Netanyahu's domestic challenges
Trump noted Netanyahu has endured tremendous opposition including a corruption trial and domestic criticism, yet has thrived. Netanyahu faces a challenge from Yashar party founder Gadi Eisenkot.

> Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself.
## Eisenkot's response and polling
Eisenkot, whose son and nephews were killed in Gaza, said only Israelis will decide their next Prime Minister. Some surveys show Yashar is in a tight race with Netanyahu's Likud party.
## Netanyahu thanks Trump publicly
Netanyahu posted a video thanking his dear friend Donald, saying he was honored and humbled by Trump's backing and calling the U.S. fortunate to have Trump fighting to denuclearize Iran.
## Recent conflict over Iran strategy
On February eleventh at the White House, Trump and Netanyahu failed to agree on Iran. Netanyahu wanted to decapitate Iranian leadership while Trump insisted on negotiations at that time.
## Escalating disagreements over bombing
In March, Trump told Netanyahu to stop attacks after Israel hit Iran's South Pars gas field. In April, Trump declared Israel was prohibited from further bombing Lebanon on Truth Social.

> PROHIBITED
## Trump's frustration over Beirut strikes
When Netanyahu ordered strikes on a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut in June to retaliate, Trump phoned and reportedly called him f-cking crazy. Netanyahu said they have tactical disagreements but work them out.
## Key takeaway

Trump endorsed Netanyahu for re-election on Sunday, days before Israel's October twenty-seventh election, citing their relationship and shared goals against Iran.