Trump endorses Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27 election

US President Donald Trump endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday ahead of Israel's October 27 elections. The effect on voters remained unclear, with many Israelis expressing disappointment over the Iran war's outcome and Trump's ceasefire proposal.

In his social media post, Trump praised Netanyahu's leadership and described him as a partner in pursuing peace and confronting the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The endorsement's earlier absence had been a setback for the Likud politician. He had presented his close relationship with the Republican president as a reason for voters to keep him in power.

Israelis are scheduled to vote on October 27. It will be the country's first national election since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot offered a different message at a conference in Tel Aviv before the elections. He expressed admiration for Trump while saying that the choice of Israel's leader belongs to Israelis.