Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday aired a recorded phone call with US President Donald Trump, in which Trump predicted Netanyahu’s victory in Israel’s upcoming election and reiterated support for joint military action against Iran. The call followed Trump’s public endorsement of Netanyahu’s reelection bid on Sunday, marking a high-profile display of US-Israel alignment ahead of the October 27 vote.
Trump praises Netanyahu, hints at further Iran action
During the recorded conversation, Trump told Netanyahu, “I think you’re going to have a tremendous victory, actually.” He added, “You’re the man I want by my side, Bibi,” using Netanyahu’s nickname. Netanyahu responded by thanking Trump for joining Israel in a February strike on Iran, stating, “Donald, we have a job to finish. We’ll finish it together.” He described Iran’s clerical government as “the greatest danger” and suggested further action may be necessary. Netanyahu made the remarks from an air force base, emphasizing Israel’s readiness to strike “the moment it is required.”
Vance declines to endorse Netanyahu despite Trump’s backing
US Vice President JD Vance on Monday declined to endorse Netanyahu’s reelection, diverging from Trump’s stance. Speaking to journalist Mark Halperin, Vance said his focus remains on US midterm elections. “I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on in the midterms,” he stated. “I’m not anti-endorsing him. I’m not pro-endorsing him. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.” Vance’s remarks came one day after Trump called Netanyahu “a Great Warrior Prime Minister” and “an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Netanyahu outlines post-election goals in interview
In a separate interview with Fox News host Mark Levin, Netanyahu outlined three priorities if reelected: eliminating the Iranian threat, expanding the Abraham Accords, and leveraging AI technologies for economic sectors. He emphasized completing the mission against Iran, stating, “Achieve the complete elimination of the Iranian threat to Israel, to America, and to the world.” Netanyahu praised Trump’s leadership in both military and economic measures against Iran, asserting that the two leaders are “well on our way to achieving this.”
Context: US-Israel relations and domestic debates
The endorsements and remarks occur amid shifting US public opinion on Israel, with support declining among both Republicans and Democrats since the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Vance previously stated in June that Israel “has almost no friends left in the world” and should reconsider actions that could further isolate it. The Israeli election will be the first national vote since the Hamas-led attacks, which triggered a prolonged conflict and ongoing regional tensions.
Trump’s endorsement on Truth Social called Netanyahu a “key US ally” in confronting Iran, while Netanyahu thanked Trump for his “tremendous support and work together.” The exchange underscores the close personal and strategic ties between the two leaders as Israel prepares to vote.