Trump warns US may act alone if Israelis elect rival to Netanyahu
The president endorsed the prime minister for the second time, citing joint operations and cautioning that a change in leadership could shift military burdens to Washington.
By Kavya Lin ·
Israeli voters face a direct message from the White House on Sunday evening. President Donald Trump issued a second endorsement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Truth Social, urging citizens to keep the incumbent in power to complete ongoing military objectives.
In the post, Trump characterized Netanyahu as an outstanding warrior prime minister. He cited a strong working relationship and noted that the two leaders had been winning together. The president specifically referenced Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury as examples of this cooperation.
The endorsement included a direct call to action. Trump instructed voters to select Netanyahu for the role of prime minister so the two nations could finish the job they started. This statement came just days before the Israeli election, placing a US leader's preference squarely in the center of the domestic campaign.
The message carried a warning regarding a different election outcome. Trump stated that if Israel chose a leader other than Netanyahu, America would have to handle the job itself. The Jerusalem Post reported that this remark referred to the current confrontation with Iran. The president added that he was not inclined to take on that burden alone.
Reports published earlier on Sunday indicated that Netanyahu had intensified efforts to secure this support. Two American sources told The Jerusalem Post that the prime minister and his allies within Trump's inner circle were applying pressure for new statements of backing. One source described the prime minister as showing signs of political desperation.
An earlier report from Axios provided details on recent communications between the two leaders. It stated that Netanyahu and Trump spoke twice over the past three days. According to an Israeli source briefed on the matter, Netanyahu suggested specific wording for new endorsements. He also proposed that Trump speak with Israeli journalists to repeat his support.
The timing of the post aligns with the prime minister's active campaign for public backing from Washington. The message combines praise for leadership, a direct request for votes, and a statement on the potential consequences for US Israel relations.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
