WASHINGTON — With just nine days remaining until Israel’s upcoming general election on October 27, U.S. President Donald Trump has officially thrown his support behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

In a letter addressed to the Israeli people and published on Truth Social on October 18 (local time), President Trump stated, “Bibi Netanyahu will never let you down,” adding, “Please let this letter serve to represent my complete and total endorsement of Bibi in his upcoming race for re-election.” 

Describing Netanyahu, Trump wrote, “He has been a great wartime leader and an even greater partner for peace in fighting against Iran.” He further warned, “If Israel has the wrong leader—meaning anyone other than Bibi—America will have to do this work ourselves. But I am not inclined to do so.” 

Trump also praised Netanyahu’s resilience, noting, “Despite massive opposition even within Israel, he has shown strength and courage. He didn't just endure; he actually got stronger. This is the kind of partner America requires from Israel.” He added, “America has done a great deal for Israel over the years.” 

This marks President Trump’s first public endorsement ahead of the Israeli election. Previously, he had avoided open endorsements as Netanyahu frequently pushed back against U.S. policies regarding Lebanon and Gaza. 

Prime Minister Netanyahu quickly responded to the endorsement. In a post and video shared on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed, “I am so grateful for President Trump's tremendous support and cooperation. Together, we will complete this mission.” Trump subsequently reposted Netanyahu’s video message of gratitude on his own social media profile. 

Will Trump’s Endorsement Shift a Tight Race? Assessment of Iran Conflict Becomes a Key Variable

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the opposition's Yashar Party and a leading challenger to Netanyahu, remarked during an interview with Channel 12 on the same day: “I deeply appreciate President Trump, a wonderful friend of Israel, for his contributions to national security. However, the Israeli election is an internal domestic matter.” 

Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff whose party has recently led the governing Likud party in opinion polls, firmly maintained, “The authority to determine the next prime minister and coalition government rests solely with the Israeli citizens. I will stick to this position.”

It remains uncertain what impact Trump’s endorsement will have on the neck-and-neck race. The Associated Press noted, “While Trump remains highly popular in Israel, many Israelis—including prominent commentators—have expressed disappointment over the imperfect outcomes of the war with Iran and President Trump’s ceasefire proposals.”

Political commentator Mati Tuchfeld wrote in a column for the Israeli daily Maariv, “This is not just a simple endorsement; it is a blatant and explicit intervention in Israel’s elections. A sitting U.S. president has laid down a security ultimatum for Israeli voters.” Tuchfeld added, “While foreign electoral intervention usually triggers a backlash, Trump is different. Netanyahu has secured something no other candidate could ever dream of.”

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]