Trump Backs Netanyahu’s Re-election Ahead of October 27 Vote

Trump Endorses Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Elections

United States President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election campaign on Sunday. Trump called Netanyahu a "great warrior prime minister" and an important ally for peace. He said Iran had been "systematically destroyed both militarily and financially." He warned that the U.S. would take more action if Iran did not change its behavior.

The Israeli election is set for October 27. Netanyahu's Likud party is projected to win 51 seats in the Knesset, according to Haaretz. The opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot is expected to secure 52 seats. No party is likely to win an outright majority. Eisenkot has criticized Netanyahu's handling of security issues, especially regarding Iran's nuclear program, which he claims is still a major threat.

In June, Trump announced an agreement between Iran and Israel to stop hostilities. This move was unpopular among many Israelis. A survey by the Israel Democracy Institute showed that 65 to 70 percent of Jewish Israelis believed this decision did not help the nation's security interests. Eisenkot has called for a stronger approach to dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities. He emphasized that the conflict with Iran is not resolved.

Trump's endorsement comes as tensions rise around Iran, which is a key issue in the upcoming elections. Opposition parties are framing Netanyahu's record on Iran as a failure. They promise to change security and foreign policy if they win.

Related coverage: US-Iran Conflict Intensifies Ahead of Midterm Elections.

Based on reporting by: aljazeera.com