‘Who wants to take a chance?’: Trump reveals why he waited to endorse Netanyahu
WASHINGTON, DC: Hours after announcing his “complete and total endorsement” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump revealed why he had waited so long to extend his support to his Middle Eastern ally.
Just nine days before Israel’s October 27 election, Trump endorsed Netanyahu, calling him “a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combating the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Trump began planning his endorsement earlier this week
"I was always going to do that. I just didn't want to do it too soon," Trump told Axios in a short phone interview on Sunday, Oct 18.
Trump said he endorsed Netanyahu because they have a "good relationship" and would "continue to do well" together if Netanyahu is reelected.
"It is important that Israel has a person they can count on," Trump said.
Asked if he could work with another Israeli leader, Trump said: "Maybe I will, maybe I won't. Who wants to take the chance?"
Why Trump’s endorsement of Netanyahu matters
While it is not immediately clear what impact the endorsement will have on what is expected to be a tight race, Trump remains popular in Israel.
Trump’s decision to endorse Netanyahu nine days before the election could give the Israeli leader a boost at a crucial time. Most polls show Netanyahu’s coalition falling short of the 61 seats needed to form a government.
Israel's legislative elections are scheduled for Oct 27, when voters will elect all 120 members of the 26th Knesset. The poll is widely viewed as a critical referendum on Netanyahu and his governing coalition.
President Trump, my friend Donald - thank you for your extraordinary endorsement. Israel has never had a greater friend in the White House. Together we will never let Iran's regime get nuclear weapons. Thank you for your clarity, courage and unwavering support. @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/GqaOVB74Dj
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 18, 2026
"Thank you, President Trump, for the tremendous support and work together," Netanyahu said in a statement in Hebrew posted on X. "Together we will complete the mission!"
Netanyahu’s Likud Party attached a 35-second video to the statement, showing clips of the two leaders together and Trump praising Netanyahu.
A total of 38 political parties are competing for seats, with around 11 expected to pass the 3.25% electoral threshold required to enter the Israeli Knesset.
Netanyahu and Trump recently discussed possible action against Iran
Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump discussed two weeks ago the possibility of launching a major new operation against Iran before the Israeli and US elections, Axios reported.
According to the report, Trump initially appeared inclined to accept Netanyahu’s proposal to resume attacks but later grew more hesitant and decided against launching strikes before the US midterm elections. The White House disputed the report’s account of discussions about resuming the war, while sources cited by Axios said both militaries remained prepared in case Trump changed his position.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump appreciated Netanyahu, calling him, "Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself."
