Trump endorses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of reelection bid

October 18, 2026 / 12:04 PM EDT / CBS/AP

President Trump on Sunday endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection, saying on social media that he "has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran."

This is a coveted boost for Netanyahu because of Mr. Trump's popularity in Israel but one that the U.S. leader withheld for months as their strategies in the Middle East diverged.

Netanyahu's government, the most nationalist and far-right in Israel's history, faces domestic criticism over security failures and international criticism over the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Some of the government's senior officials are settlers themselves.

"Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself. Despite all of that, he has endured and, in fact, he has thrived!" Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Netanyahu, on X, thanked Mr. Trump for his "tremendous support and the joint work."

"Together we will complete the mission!" he added.

Israelis are set to vote Oct. 27, which will be the first national elections since the 2023 Hamas attack on…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/