Trump Warns U.S. Will Handle Iran Alone if Israel Elects Rival to Netanyahu
The president's second endorsement in days follows reports that the prime minister urged specific wording for the message.
By Carlos Rivera ·
President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the second time on Sunday evening, days before the Israeli election.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged voters to consider Netanyahu's track record. He called the prime minister an "outstanding Warrior Prime Minister" and cited Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury as proof of a successful partnership.
"Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister; we have to finish the job that we started!" Trump wrote. The message arrived after reports that Netanyahu intensified efforts to secure fresh support from the White House.
Two American sources told The Jerusalem Post that Netanyahu and his allies in Trump's inner circle applied increasing pressure for new statements. The sources described the prime minister as showing signs of political desperation, a characterization they said was unprecedented for the leader.
Axios reported that Netanyahu and Trump spoke twice in the previous three days. An Israeli source briefed on the discussions said Netanyahu proposed specific language for the endorsement. He also suggested that Trump speak with Israeli journalists to repeat his backing.
The post included a warning about the impact of a different election outcome. Trump stated that if Israel chose a leader other than Netanyahu, the United States would have to handle the job itself. The Jerusalem Post noted that the remark referred to the confrontation with Iran.
"I'm not inclined to do that," Trump wrote regarding the prospect of solo U.S. action. The endorsement and warning combined praise for the current administration with a direct appeal to voters ahead of the ballot box.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
