What he says: In an article published Sunday on Truth Social, Trump called Netanyahu a “great warrior prime minister” and a “great partner” in the war against Iran.
- “If Israel has a bad leader, who would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work (in Iran) itself, and I am not inclined to do it,” Trump wrote.
- Trump called Netanyahu “the kind of partner that the United States of America demands of Israel” and gave him his “complete and total support.”
Behind the scenes: Trump began planning his support earlier this week.
- “I was always going to do that. I just didn’t want to do it too soon,” Trump told Axios in a brief phone interview Sunday.
- Trump said he supported Netanyahu because they had a “good relationship” and would “continue to do well” together if Netanyahu was re-elected.
- “It’s important that Israel has someone they can count on,” Trump said.
- Asked if he might work with another Israeli leader, Trump replied: “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. Who wants to take a chance?”
The other side: Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support in an X-post.
- “Together we will accomplish the mission,” Netanyahu wrote.
- Netanyahu’s main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, told Israel’s Channel 12 that he respected the US president and appreciated what he had done for Israel.
- “But the elections are an internal Israeli issue. The only ones who will decide are the citizens of Israel, and I will remain firm on this,” Eisenkot said.
The big picture: Trump has repeatedly refused to support Netanyahu in recent months, amid growing tensions between the two leaders over Iran and Gaza.
- Some of Netanyahu’s rivals urged Trump to remain neutral, Axios previously reported.
- Some of Trump’s closest advisers believed his Middle East agenda would fare better if Netanyahu lost and a different government was formed.
- Trump himself has been very frustrated with Netanyahu, including in recent weeks.
- In private conversations, Trump blamed Netanyahu for Israel’s failure to prevent the October 7 Hamas attacks. Trump called the prime minister “his worst enemy” and questioned whether Netanyahu was harming Israel’s international reputation, according to two people who discussed the matter directly with the president.
- However, Trump decided to stick with Netanyahu.
Driving the news: Netanyahu and Trump discussed two weeks ago the possibility of launching a major new operation against Iran before the Israeli and US elections, Axios reported.
- Trump initially seemed inclined to accept Netanyahu’s proposal and resume the attacks, but he became more hesitant and decided to wait until after the election.
- In his support, Trump appeared to suggest he would let Netanyahu strike Iran after the midterm elections, saying “we will finish the job soon.”
This is breaking news. Please check back for updates
Gn headline
