Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election.

Published By :Greatfuture Info

In Brief : Netanyahu thanks Trump, saying their cooperation would continue if he secures another term, while opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot urges voters to decide country’s leadership.

New Delhi, October 19: U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election, backing his ally in a closely contested race. 

Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support, saying their cooperation would continue if he secured another term.

Netanyahu has highlighted his close ties with Trump and pledged to work with Washington to counter what he called the Iranian threat. However, polls suggest neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor that of his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, is on course to secure the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority. 

The election comes amid criticism of Netanyahu over the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack and Israel’s subsequent wars.

Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, while speaking at a conference in Tel Aviv, has responded to Trump’s endorsement of Netanyahu by saying the country’s leadership must be decided by its voters. 

"I have immense appreciation for the U.S. president (Donald Trump). He has made a tremendous contribution to Israel’s security and to securing the hostage deal. At the same time, Israel is a democratic country. Only the citizens of Israel elect the Prime Minister and determine the government," he said.

(File Photo)