Key facts
- Trump gave Netanyahu a "Complete and Total Endorsement."
- Netanyahu faces centrist rivals in the election.
- The election follows the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
US President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election on Sunday, urging Israelis to vote for him in the upcoming parliamentary election. Trump described Netanyahu as a "Strong, Brave, and Brilliant" partner for the United States. The endorsement comes as Israel prepares for a national election on October 27, its first since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. This election is seen as a critical moment for Netanyahu, who faces centrist rivals promising a new era for the country amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. While Trump's past endorsements have been a significant asset for Netanyahu, recent reports suggest a cooling of their relationship, with Trump previously declining to endorse Netanyahu and expressing distrust in politicians.