WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 elections, warning that Washington could be forced to shoulder greater responsibility for confronting Iran if Israeli voters chose another leader.In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Netanyahu’s re-election bid, praising his leadership and close cooperation with the United States.”If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so,” Trump wrote.Trump described Netanyahu as “Strong, Brave, and Brilliant,” saying the Israeli leader had grown stronger despite mounting political pressure and opposition within Israel.His endorsement comes as Netanyahu faces a closely watched election campaign, with his leadership under scrutiny over Israel’s security, the war in Gaza and the country’s international standing.The Gaza war remains a major source of international criticism of Netanyahu’s government.According to Palestinian authorities, Israeli military operations have killed more than 74,000 Palestinians and injured over 175,000 since October 2023, with women and children accounting for a significant proportion of the casualties.Palestinian authorities also estimate that approximately 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.Separately, the International Court of Justice is hearing a case brought by South Africa, with several other countries joining the proceedings, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza.
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