US President Donald Trump publicly backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday ahead of Israel’s October 27 elections, offering his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of the incumbent leader’s campaign for another term.
In an extensive statement posted on Truth Social, Trump praised Netanyahu’s leadership and highlighted their cooperation on regional security issues, particularly their approach towards Iran.
The American president suggested that Netanyahu’s defeat could leave Washington facing greater responsibility for confronting regional security challenges.
“If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so,” Trump wrote.
He described Netanyahu as “Strong, Brave, and Brilliant,” arguing that the Israeli prime minister had become more resilient despite mounting political pressure and domestic opposition.
Trump’s endorsement comes as Netanyahu faces scrutiny over his government’s security policies, the war in Gaza and Israel’s diplomatic relations.
According to Palestinian authorities, Israeli military operations in Gaza since October 2023 have killed more than 74,000 Palestinians and injured over 175,000, with women and children accounting for a substantial proportion of the casualties.
Palestinian authorities also estimate that approximately 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed during the conflict.
Netanyahu additionally faces international legal scrutiny over Israel’s military campaign.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Separately, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is considering a case brought by South Africa, subsequently supported by several other countries, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention through its actions in Gaza.
Israel has rejected allegations of genocide.
Trump’s public support places the US president firmly behind Netanyahu as the Israeli leader approaches an election shaped by domestic political divisions, regional security concerns and continuing international scrutiny of the Gaza war.