Despite praise and White House visits, Trump avoids endorsing Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump has declined to explicitly endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of upcoming elections. Despite their close relationship, Trump focused his comments on his administration's security support for Israel and concerns regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Why it matters
The lack of a direct endorsement from a key ally like Trump could influence the political landscape of the upcoming Israeli elections.
In a Time interview, Trump avoids directly endorsing Netanyahu but defends him over reports of warnings before October 7 attacks.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info US President Donald Trump is seen with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion international airport in Israel in October 2025 [File: Chip Somodevilla/Getty] By Joseph Stepansky Published On 1 Oct 2026 1 Oct 2026 United States President Donald Trump has avoided directly endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu in an interview ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections , despite repeatedly heaping praise – and White House visits – on the Israeli prime minister.
Trump thrice avoided making an endorsement in an interview with Time magazine published on Thursday, instead pivoting to his own popularity in Israel and actions in support of Israel’s government.
The US president was initially asked if the “Israeli people should give Netanyahu another term?”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in