Trump Claims Credit for Netanyahu Election Performance Following Endorsement
Donald Trump asserts his endorsement shifted the tide for Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's latest election. Explore the impact on the Knesset race.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump is asserting that his public backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu served as the decisive factor in shifting the momentum of Tuesday’s Knesset election.
The election marks the first time Israeli voters have cast ballots since the October 7 attacks. While a definitive winner has yet to emerge, the race remains highly competitive.
On Wednesday, Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to highlight his influence, sharing a post from Irving C. Schwartz. The post claimed that the endorsement caused the whole tide to turn, transforming what might have been a significant defeat into a potential comeback or a stalemate for the prime minister.
The message further stated that the shift occurred specifically following the endorsement from Trump, who maintains that his actions are intended to benefit the Middle East, Israel, and the United States.
Opposition to the incumbent remains vocal, with Yashar party leader and former Israeli army chief Gadi Eisenkot publicly calling for Netanyahu to be removed from office. Current exit polls indicate that neither Netanyahu’s coalition nor the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot is currently positioned to secure a clear majority in the Knesset.
Speaking while returning from a rally in Texas, Trump expressed optimism regarding the results. He noted that he heard the prime minister performed well and reiterated his belief that the endorsement provided a significant boost to the campaign.
The two leaders have maintained a close alignment, particularly as both the U.S. and Israel have engaged in military strikes against Iran. In a televised message on Sunday, Netanyahu emphasized the strength of their relationship, noting that the friendship between the two leaders is unprecedented.
Netanyahu told voters that the U.S. president had expressed a desire for his reelection, highlighting the unique nature of their diplomatic bond. Meanwhile, Trump is navigating his own political challenges as the United States approaches midterm elections, where he is actively campaigning for Republican candidates amid difficult polling data.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
