Trump predicted a convincing victory for Netanyahu, but he hinted at a new attack on Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump has predicted a convincing victory for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. During a phone call with Netanyahu, Trump praised him as a fighter and expressed confidence in his leadership, stating he wants "the kind of person I want at my side, Bibi." Netanyahu, in turn, hinted at the possibility of new joint attacks on Iran, which he once again labeled the greatest threat to Israel. The conversation took place after Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu's candidacy. Netanyahu shared a recording of their telephone exchange, in which both leaders exchanged compliments. Trump anticipated Netanyahu’s "exceptional victory" and called him a warrior, suggesting some had been unfair to him. International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which began following Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. In response, Trump’s administration imposed sanctions on the ICC. Netanyahu thanked Trump for supporting attacks on Iran at the end of February and stated that they must finish the job because no one else would do it. He emphasized that together they could eliminate the Iranian threat permanently. David Makovsky from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy noted it was unclear whether Trump’s support would significantly influence Israeli voters. Netanyahu is a polarizing figure, and the number of undecided voters is relatively small. Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom recently reported that Trump’s administration is striving to form an Israeli government without the far-right allies of current prime minister Netanyahu. These allies support extreme settlers in the West Bank and advocate for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied the report. A more moderate coalition government, according to the newspaper, might attempt to normalize relations with additional Arab and Islamic countries. Netanyahu mentioned expanding the so-called Abraham Accords, through which the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco normalized relations with Israel in 2020. Netanyahu’s main rival in the election, former Israeli army chief Gadi Eisenkot, expressed respect for Trump after the latter’s endorsement, but stressed that only Israelis can choose their leader. Trump and Netanyahu have established a close political partnership in recent years, despite being unpopular in the public opinion of many democratic states. Both have avoided criminal prosecution while in office. Netanyahu faces corruption charges in Israel, which could lead to imprisonment. In another report, Trump strongly supported Netanyahu ahead of the Israeli elections, calling him a true partner for the U.S. against Iran. Trump highlighted Netanyahu’s role as a warrior and a key ally in the fight against Iran, emphasizing that Iran had long threatened to destroy Israel and America. He warned that if Israel had a different leader, the U.S. would have to take on the responsibility alone, which he was not willing to do. Despite facing significant opposition, including criticism from within Israel itself, Trump described Netanyahu as strong, courageous, and brilliant. He noted that Netanyahu had remained resilient under pressure and continued to be a powerful leader. Trump concluded his statement by expressing full and unwavering support for Netanyahu in his upcoming race for re-election as Israeli prime minister, stating that Netanyahu would never disappoint anyone. On October 27, Israeli voters will decide who will sit in the 120-member parliament, and thus largely determine who will eventually occupy the position of prime minister. Netanyahu’s party, Likud, trails behind the party Yashar, led by former head of the Israeli Defense Forces General Staff Gadi Eisenkot, in four major Israeli polls.