Donald backs Netanyahu ahead Israel polls
JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed US President Donald Trump’s endorsement Monday, releasing a recording of their telephone conversation just a week before Israel’s closely contested 27 October election.
Trump, who publicly endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday, predicted the Israeli leader would secure another term and hinted at possible renewed military action against Iran.
“I think you’re going to have a tremendous victory, actually,” Trump said during the call.
“You’re the man I want by my side, Bibi,” he added, using Netanyahu’s nickname.
Netanyahu praised Trump for joining Israel’s military strikes against Iran in February and suggested their cooperation was unfinished.
“Donald, we have a job to finish,” Netanyahu said. “We’ll finish it together. We’ll finish it, and no one else will do it.”
The Israeli leader did not elaborate but again described Iran as “the greatest danger.”
The exchange followed reports that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Netanyahu in Israel on Monday, fueling speculation about possible renewed strikes against Tehran. The Pentagon declined to comment.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, faces a tight election amid divisions over the Iran war, the Gaza conflict and his government’s policies.
Political analyst David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy questioned whether Trump’s endorsement would significantly influence voters, describing Netanyahu as “a polarizing figure.”
Netanyahu’s main challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, acknowledged Trump’s support but stressed that “Only Israelis can choose their leader.”
The endorsement comes despite disagreements between Washington and Israel over Iran and the composition of Netanyahu’s future government.
Netanyahu also faces corruption charges at home and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. He denies the allegations.
Trump, meanwhile, praised Netanyahu as a “warrior” who had been “treated unfairly by your country and by some others.”