Trump Endorses Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Election as Coalition Challenges Mount
President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he seeks another term, less than a week before Israel holds its elections. In a Truth Social post directed to “the Great People of Israel,” Trump called “Bibi” Netanyahu “a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its 51 year old chant, ‘Death to Israel, Death to America!’” The endorsement comes as Netanyahu’s Likud Party trails former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar Party in four major Israeli polls from Maariv, Channel 12 and 13, and Kan News. Neither party, however, is expected to secure the 61 seats necessary for a majority, meaning smaller factions in the Knesset will likely become decisive factors in the race.nnTrump’s endorsement highlights the strong personal bond between the two leaders and their shared focus on countering Iran. The former president’s post also referenced a controversial ceasefire proposal that fell short of many of the countries’ key goals when they jointly launched the war in February, and he pointed to Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in 2025 as a sign of strength. Trump’s message appeared designed to bolster Netanyahu’s image as a steadfast leader on security issues. As one source close to the campaign put it, “Normal men or women in such situations would have wilted under the pressure — but Bibi did not wilt, he actually got stronger, and maintains that same strength today.”nnThe endorsement arrives at a critical moment for Netanyahu, who faces a tough reelection battle amid coalition challenges. The polls show Likud running behind Yashar, but with neither party able to form a majority, the balance of power may rest with smaller factions. Netanyahu has historically been adept at navigating such coalition dynamics, and Trump’s backing could help rally right-wing voters. However, the endorsement may also cut both ways, as Trump remains a polarizing figure in Israeli politics and his support could alienate some centrist voters.nnMeanwhile, the broader political landscape is shifting. The CIA has become the first major national security agency to offer buyouts to its entire workforce, part of Trump’s broad effort to shrink the federal government and shape it to his agenda. While unrelated to the Israeli election
Shimanta Das 
