U.S. President Donald Trump announced his full and unconditional support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the parliamentary election on 27 October 2026.
In a message, Trump described Netanyahu as an “excellent partner in achieving peace” and an “unparalleled, warrior prime minister.” Netanyahu, in turn, thanked Trump and emphasized the continuation of joint cooperation to “destroy the threat posed by Iran.”
Trump’s endorsement comes as opinion polls point to a close contest between Netanyahu and his most serious rival, Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot criticized Trump’s position, stating: “Israel is a democratic country, and only its own citizens can choose its leaders.”
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Netanyahu is trying to drag the United States into a new war and stressed that any such effort would face a strong response from Iran.
It should be noted that this is Israel’s first election since Hamas’s attacks and the start of the Gaza war on 7 October 2023. Netanyahu, who returned to power in December 2022, is considered one of the longest-serving prime ministers in Israel’s history.
