Trump declares his full support for Netanyahu before the elections in Israel: A big first

The US President, Donald Trump, declared on Sunday his support for his ally Benjamin Netanyahu, while the Israeli prime minister struggles to gain an advantage in the parliamentary elections next week, according to Reuters. Trump praised Netanyahu, calling him a "great warrior prime minister" and a peace partner, and recognized his merit for joining the United States in launching attacks against Iran in February. The conflict, in its fourth month, has disturbed energy markets globally and caused chaos in the Middle East, damaging critical infrastructure and destabilizing regional economies. "Bibi Netanyahu has proven to be strong, brave, and shining in the face of enormous opposition, including that coming from within Israel itself," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. "Despite all this, he has resisted and, in fact, thrived! I followed Bibi in the most difficult moments. Ordinary people, men or women, would have yielded under pressure in such situations—but Bibi did not yield, but rather became stronger and maintains the same strength today." In his message, addressed to the "great people of Israel," Trump added: "I ask that this letter represent my full and total support for Bibi Netanyahu in his future campaign for re-election as Prime Minister of Israel." It is not certain whether Trump's support will give Netanyahu and his right-wing party, Likud, an impetus in the national elections of October 27, as public Israeli support for Trump has declined amid disagreements between Israel and the US regarding Iran, writes News.ro. Surveys indicate that no candidate has a clear path to power. The Prime Minister of Israel is elected through the formation of a coalition in parliament, and not by direct popular vote. These will be the first elections in Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which shook the country and plunged the Middle East into chaos, as Israel entered the war in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. The elections could determine whether Netanyahu remains in power after one of the most important periods in Israeli history or whether he is defeated by centrist rivals who promise to usher in a new era. Netanyahu immediately thanked "dear friend Donald" on X, stating: "Together we will bring the mission to a successful end!" Trump has violated a long-standing US tradition by supporting candidates in foreign elections, including Hungary, Colombia, Argentina, Japan, and Honduras. Editor: B.E.