Brief
Trump endorses Netanyahu ahead of Israel's Oct. 27 election
Trump called Netanyahu a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and warned the US would act alone if he loses.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former President Donald Trump posted a social‑media endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Oct. 18, 2026, calling the Israeli leader a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and a “Partner for Peace” against Iran.
What happened
In a 35‑second video released by Netanyahu’s Likud Party, clips of the two leaders together were shown, followed by Trump’s statement that Israel needed a “Strong, Brave, and Brilliant” leader. The endorsement came less than ten days before Israel’s national election on Oct. 27, the first since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
What the reports add
The Los Angeles Times article notes that Trump’s endorsement arrives after months of silence, during which his comments on the Iran war and a cease‑fire proposal disappointed many Israeli commentators. It also mentions Trump’s earlier letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog asking for a pardon for Netanyahu on corruption charges.
What was said
Trump wrote, “Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He added, “If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so.” Netanyahu responded in Hebrew on X, saying, “Thank you, President Trump, for the tremendous support and work together. Together we will complete the mission!”
How it came about
Trump’s endorsement follows a pattern of foreign election involvement noted in earlier Felo coverage, where he publicly backed candidates in Hungary, Japan, Poland and Latin America. The endorsement was also preceded by Trump’s Oct. 16 remarks suggesting Saudi Arabia might accept Israeli help against the Houthis, indicating his broader Middle‑East diplomatic focus.
Key facts
- Donald Trump endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu on Oct. 18, 2026 via a social‑media post. (latimes.com)
- Trump called Netanyahu a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and warned the US would act alone if he loses. (latimes.com)
- Israel’s national election is scheduled for Oct. 27, 2026. (latimes.com)
Timeline
- 2026-10-16 — Trump suggested Saudi Arabia might accept Israeli help against the Houthis.
- 2026-10-18 — Trump posted endorsement of Netanyahu.
- 2026-10-27 — Israel’s national election.
Sources
- [1] latimes.com — originally reported as “Trump endorses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection”
