The key facts

  • Trump backed Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 election in a post on Truth Social
  • Trump warned that with a different leader the US would be 'inclined' not to take on confronting Iran
  • Netanyahu's campaign is under criticism over security, the war in Gaza and Israel's international standing

Endorsement Ahead of the Election

US President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 election. In a lengthy post on the Truth Social platform, he announced his 'complete and total endorsement' of the Israeli leader's re-election.

Warning About Iran

Trump praised Netanyahu's leadership and his partnership with Washington, especially in confronting Iran, warning that if another leader were elected, the US might be forced to take on that work itself. 'If Israel gets the wrong leader — and that's anyone but Bibi — America will have to do the job ourselves, and I am not inclined to do that,' Trump wrote. He called Netanyahu 'strong, brave and brilliant,' adding that he had grown stronger despite pressure, including opposition within Israel.

Campaign Context

According to Anadolu, the endorsement came amid a politically sensitive campaign in which Netanyahu's leadership is criticized over security issues, the war in Gaza and Israel's international standing.

Casualty Figures and International Proceedings

According to figures from Palestinian authorities cited by the agency, more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 175,000 wounded in Gaza since October 2023, most of them women and children; about 90% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The International Court of Justice is considering South Africa's case, joined by a number of countries, accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.