Trump warns US may handle Iran alone if Netanyahu loses
The president issued a second endorsement days before the Israeli vote, citing joint military operations and a specific threat regarding future leadership.
By Kevin Johnson ·
Donald Trump has backed Benjamin Netanyahu for a second term in the days leading up to the Israeli general election.
The endorsement appeared in a Truth Social post on Sunday evening. It arrives just as polls open for the country's next government.
Trump praised the prime minister's record during their partnership. He described Netanyahu as an "outstanding Warrior Prime Minister" in the message to voters.
The post cited two specific military campaigns as evidence of their collaboration. Trump referenced Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury. He stated that the two leaders have been "winning together." He urged Israelis to vote for Netanyahu to complete the work they began.
The endorsement followed intense lobbying efforts by Netanyahu's camp. Reports indicated that the prime minister and his allies increased pressure on the White House for new statements of support. Two American sources told The Jerusalem Post that Netanyahu was showing signs of political desperation. An Axios report added that the two leaders spoke twice in the previous three days. Netanyahu reportedly suggested specific wording for the endorsement and asked Trump to speak with Israeli journalists.
Trump included a warning about the consequences of a different election outcome. He wrote that if Israel chose a leader other than Netanyahu, America would have to handle the job itself. He noted that he was not inclined to take on that burden alone. The Jerusalem Post identified the job in question as the confrontation with Iran. The post serves as a direct appeal to voters while outlining a potential shift in the US-Israel relationship.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
