Trump says he hasn't decided on backing Netanyahu for upcoming Israeli vote
Donald Trump told reporters he hasn't given thought to endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's upcoming election, though he hinted he might intervene later.
Donald Trump, speaking to reporters ahead of his Alaska travel, said he has not thought about endorsing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the forthcoming election. He suggested, however, that he might later take a role in the race. The Israeli vote is set for Oct. 27, the first since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks that have damaged the rapport between the two leaders.
Netanyahu faces criticism over security failures linked to that attack, and a survey by the Israel Democracy Institute found that a large share of Israelis view the Oct. 7 events as central to their voting decisions. Trump’s historic support has been a key part of Netanyahu’s appeal, and the lack of a clear endorsement could affect the campaign.
Why it matters
Trump's potential endorsement could influence the outcome of Israel's pivotal election amid regional tensions.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Netanyahu urges fragmented right-wing parties to merge ahead of October election
- Sep 24 The electoral commission has acted on two Arab party lists.
- Sep 24 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the UN General Assembly that the international community must accelerate the US-backed Gaza peace plan and prevent a repeat of the 1948 displacement.
- Sep 24 The United States denied visas to Abbas and other Palestinian officials for a second consecutive year, forcing a video address to the UN.
- Sep 27 Netanyahu publicly urged right‑wing parties to merge ahead of the election.
- Oct 2 The Central Elections Committee voted 18-5 to bar the United Arab List and the Joint List from the ballot.
- Oct 2 Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy following the court's indication it may approve a disqualification petition.
- Oct 6 The United Nations Secretary‑General called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
- Oct 6 Opposition leaders met to outline a coordinated electoral strategy.
- Oct 6 Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a heightened state of readiness for Israeli forces in Gaza and warned of severe retaliation if troops are harmed.
- Oct 7 President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal lit a memorial candle at the President’s Residence at 6:29 a.m., opening the October 7 remembrance ceremony.
- Oct 7 Israel placed its security forces at maximum readiness on the anniversary, citing possible new Hamas attacks.
- Oct 7 Families of victims rallied across Israel demanding an inquiry into the October 7 response.
- Oct 7 A civilian‑led memorial ceremony was held at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv.
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