- Neta Molcho, a spokeswoman for Netanyahu’s Likud party, denied that the prime minister had asked Trump to support his campaign “in recent days or before his declaration of support.”
- The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Trump said in an interview with Newsmax two weeks ago that people in Israel had asked him to get involved in supporting Netanyahu.
Behind the scenes: The U.S. source said Netanyahu spoke to Trump twice in the past three days and asked him to double down on his message on Truth Social last week in support of him.
- The source said Netanyahu even suggested language for additional statements of support.
- An Israeli source briefed on Netanyahu’s efforts said the Israeli prime minister suggested that Trump hold calls with Israeli journalists to express more support.
The last one: On Sunday evening, Trump issued another statement supporting Netanyahu and calling on Israelis to vote for him, primarily because of his hawkish stance on Iran.
- “As everyone knows, including the enemy, Bibi and I had a great relationship to win together… when you go to the polls, remember that Bibi was an exceptional warrior Prime Minister!” Trump wrote at Truth Social.
- “The chant ‘Death to America, death to Israel’ can no longer be heard around the world, and there will be no more. Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister, we must finish the job we started!” he added.
Driving the news: After weeks of hesitation, Trump endorsed Netanyahu last Sunday. He went so far as to suggest that his defeat would have consequences for US-Israeli relations.
- Trump has never worked with an Israeli prime minister other than Netanyahu, and he does not know any of the other candidates personally. The two men formed a close but often turbulent relationship.
State of play: Three major Israeli television networks released their latest pre-election polls on Friday, all showing that Netanyahu’s coalition falls far short of a parliamentary majority.
- All three projected just 50 seats for Netanyahu’s bloc in the 120-member Knesset, 17 fewer than his current coalition. His Likud party, which currently holds 32 seats, is expected to win only 20.
- Polls gave former military leader Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc between 52 and 56 seats, and another 14 to 16 for two Israeli Arab parties. Channel 11 also projected four seats for a reservist party not affiliated with either bloc.
- The pro-Netanyahu Channel 14 was the main exception, projecting 60 seats for his bloc and 30 for Likud in a poll earlier this week.
Between the lines: A U.S. official described the endorsement as a win-win situation for Trump, regardless of the outcome.
- If Netanyahu wins – or remains in power as interim prime minister – Trump could claim credit for saving him politically and use that leverage to press for concessions.
- If Netanyahu loses and his opponents form a government, Israel’s new leaders will still have every interest in maintaining good relations with Trump. His support for their rival would quickly become a footnote.
Yes, but: Some Trump advisers see an opportunity for his Middle East agenda in an Israeli government led by someone else.
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