Netanyahu says Trump backs him ahead of Israeli vote
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed him and that the two could restart the war against Iran if Netanyahu wins the 27 Oct election. Trump posted on social media urging Israelis to vote for Netanyahu and to finish the job they started. Netanyahu says he has ordered Mossad and the IDF to bring down the Iranian regime if he stays in power. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly says the U.S. will not attack Iran before the 3 Nov midterm elections. Opponent and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot praises Trump as a true friend of Israel and calls Netanyahu's remarks fear-mongering.
Key facts
- Trump first endorsed Netanyahu on 18 Oct before repeating his support on Sunday.
- Polls show Eisenkot neck and neck with Netanyahu ahead of the Tuesday vote.
- The election is Israel's first since the 7 Oct 2023 Hamas attacks.
- Eisenkot served as Israel's military chief of staff from 2015 to 2019.
Summarised with AI from 5 sources · Updated 16:09Read our AI policy
Why it matters
The vote could shape Israel's Iran policy and its relationship with Washington ahead of the U.S. midterms.
What changed
Summary updated
First published from Anadolu Agency, The Jerusalem Post, Middle East Eye, Hindustan Times and The National