Trump endorses Netanyahu ahead of tight Israeli election

Summary

US President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 election. The Times of Israel reports that experts think the endorsement is unlikely to sway Netanyahu’s supporters or opponents, though it might shift attention from other campaign issues. Semafor describes the endorsement as a boost for Netanyahu, while Deutsche Welle says polls show Netanyahu and his far-right partners currently lack a majority to secure a new term. Channel NewsAsia says the endorsement may not boost Netanyahu’s Likud party, citing diminished public support for Trump in Israel amid disagreements between Israel and the US over Iran.

Timeline

1. Channel NewsAsia

   18 Oct 2026, 16:59 UTCSource ↗

   Channel NewsAsia reports that Trump’s endorsement may not boost Netanyahu and his Likud party, citing diminished public support for Trump in Israel amid Israeli-US disagreements over Iran.

2. Deutsche Welle

   18 Oct 2026, 19:06 UTCSource ↗

   Deutsche Welle reports that Trump endorsed Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 election, while polls show Netanyahu and his far-right partners currently lack a majority to secure a new term.

3. Semafor

   18 Oct 2026, 22:29 UTCSource ↗

   Semafor reports that Trump’s endorsement boosts the embattled prime minister nine days before Israel’s pivotal election.

4. The Times of Israel

   18 Oct 2026, 22:32 UTCSource ↗

   The Times of Israel reports that experts think Trump’s remarks are unlikely to sway Netanyahu’s supporters or opponents, though they might shift attention from other campaign issues.