Donald Trump, the President of the United States, on Sunday expressed support for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Israel scheduled for October 27, 2023. This support could aid Netanyahu's efforts to secure a new mandate.
Trump and Netanyahu's Close Relationship
Netanyahu referenced his close relationship with Trump in a video released by the Likud party, stating that together they have "defeated Iran." He added that his re-election would enable him to work with Trump to "eliminate the Iranian threat in the next two years, or even sooner."
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This support comes less than two weeks after the first elections in Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu's political opponents have accused him of ignoring warnings in this regard.
Elections as a Referendum on Netanyahu
This election is seen as a referendum on Netanyahu. On Sunday, he thanked Trump for his support, saying, "Thank you, President Trump, for your unparalleled support and for our collaboration. Together we will complete this mission!" Netanyahu also urged voters to heed Trump's words, stating, "We have done amazing things together... but there is still a mission to accomplish."
While Netanyahu is recognized as Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister, his main electoral rival, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yesh Atid party and former army chief, continuously blames Netanyahu for his personal responsibility in the October 7 attack. Poll results indicate that neither Netanyahu's nor Eisenkot's electoral blocs are in a position to secure the 61 seats needed to form a governing coalition.
Trump also warned Israeli voters to avoid choosing "anyone but Bibi," stating, "If voters choose one of his rivals, America will have to do it itself, and I am not inclined to do that." Meanwhile, Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's Minister of National Security, also declared that "only one person is capable of serving as Prime Minister, and that is Benjamin Netanyahu."
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