Trump Calls Netanyahu a “Great Warrior” as Israel’s Election Nears

Summary

President Trump called Benjamin Netanyahu a “Great Warrior” as the Israeli prime minister faces a tough re-election bid. According to The New York Times, analysts say the Trump brand is not what it once was in Israel, which raises questions about whether the endorsement will help Netanyahu’s campaign. Channel NewsAsia reports that Netanyahu aired a phone call in which Trump predicted an election victory for him, and that the two hinted at further action against Iran, with Netanyahu basking in the endorsement a week before the vote.

Timeline

1. The New York Times

   19 Oct 2026, 12:18 UTCSource ↗

   The New York Times reports that President Trump said Benjamin Netanyahu was a “Great Warrior” as he faces a tough re-election bid for prime minister, and that analysts say the Trump brand is not what it once was in Israel.

2. Channel NewsAsia

   20 Oct 2026, 04:09 UTCSource ↗

   Channel NewsAsia reports that Netanyahu aired a phone call in which Trump predicted an election victory for him, that the pair hinted at further action against Iran, and that Netanyahu is basking in the endorsement a week before Israel’s election.