JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump intensified their political alliance ahead of Israel’s election on Tuesday, with Trump renewing his endorsement of Netanyahu and calling for a renewed push against Iran.
Key developments:
- Netanyahu claimed Trump’s support is unprecedented, stating the U.S. president would take action to remove the Iranian threat only if Netanyahu remains in power.
- Trump urged Israelis to re-elect Netanyahu, stating they must “finish the job” against Iran, referencing past military operations targeting the regime.
Immediate Actions and Statements
On Sunday, Netanyahu framed Trump’s endorsement as historic, asserting in a televised address that the U.S. president would take steps to dismantle the Iranian regime if Netanyahu wins. He stated, “He has another two years, and he says he is calling on you to vote for me.” Netanyahu also claimed Trump would take action “that would finally remove the Iranian threat.”
Trump reiterated his support on Truth Social, writing, “Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister, we have to finish the job that we started!” He cited past operations, including Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury, as successes against Iran, asserting that the regime’s military and economy are now in “shambles.” Trump also referenced Iran’s economic collapse, claiming inflation had reached 301%, and credited U.S. sanctions with restricting Iran’s oil revenue.
Political Context and Reactions
The election, the first since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, is widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu’s leadership. His opponent, Gadi Eisenkot, a centrist former military chief of staff, also praised Trump’s support for Israel but did not directly address Netanyahu’s remarks on Iran.
A White House deputy press secretary, Anna Kelly, stated that the U.S. would maintain its blockade on Iran and that no new attacks were planned before the U.S. midterm elections on November 3. Kelly added that Iran’s economic and military conditions remain dire, though she did not confirm Netanyahu’s claims about imminent U.S. action.
International Implications
Netanyahu’s rhetoric on Iran has drawn international scrutiny, including an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. However, domestic focus in Israel has centered on Netanyahu’s leadership, his handling of the October 7 attack, and his judicial reforms, which critics argue undermine democratic institutions.
Trump’s repeated endorsements of Netanyahu have raised questions about U.S. policy toward Iran, particularly whether a second Trump term would escalate military action. Analysts note that while Trump’s statements suggest a hardline stance, his administration has not announced new military operations beyond existing sanctions and diplomatic pressure.