Trump urges Israel to elect Netanyahu, warns U.S. may act alone
The president posted his second endorsement in three days, citing specific military operations and threatening independent American action if a rival leader takes office.
By Chloe Martin ·
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a second endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening, urging voters to elect him to complete ongoing military operations. The Truth Social post was published days before Israel's general election.
In the message, Trump asked Israelis to remember that Netanyahu has served as an "outstanding Warrior Prime Minister." He cited Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury as examples of their shared success. Trump concluded by stating, "Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister; we have to finish the job that we started!"
The endorsement followed reports that Netanyahu intensified efforts to secure American support. Two U.S. sources told The Jerusalem Post that the prime minister and his allies in Trump's inner circle increased pressure for new statements. One source described the activity as showing "signs of political desperation," noting that observers had not previously seen the prime minister act in this manner.
Axios reported that the two leaders spoke twice in the previous three days. According to an Israeli source, Netanyahu proposed specific wording for the endorsements and suggested that Trump speak with Israeli journalists to reiterate his support. The reports indicate that the prime minister actively sought this public backing as the election approached.
Trump included a warning regarding a different election outcome. He wrote, "If Israel has the wrong leader, meaning anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this job itself, and I'm not inclined to do that." The Jerusalem Post noted that this remark referred to the confrontation with Iran. The post combined praise for Netanyahu's leadership with a direct appeal to voters and a statement on potential diplomatic consequences.
The timing of the message aligns with the reported push by Netanyahu's camp for additional support from Washington. The president's post serves as a public declaration of preference for the incumbent ahead of the vote.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
