US President Donald Trump Avoids Endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Elections

US President Donald Trump was seen with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion international airport in Israel in October 2025.

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 hosting White House visits for 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 Benjamin Netanyahu another term. "Well, I can only say that I’m not involved in politics any more, except that we’re popular," Trump said, claiming 99 percent popularity in Israel.

When pressed a second time on whether Benjamin Netanyahu should have another term, Trump pointed to Washington’s continued security support for Israel and his decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem during his first term. The interviewer asked if he should have another term, and Trump replied that his primary goal is to help defend Israel and ensure Iran cannot have a nuclear power.

Trump has repeatedly hailed his relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu throughout his second term, meeting at least seven times since January 2025 and publicly pushing for a pardon in the Israeli leader’s ongoing corruption trial.

These statements come as Trump and his Republican Party contend with growing discontent over administration policies towards Israel, particularly regarding the US-Israel war against Iran in February. The conflict has driven up petrol prices in the US, becoming a key vulnerability ahead of the US midterm elections in November.

Nevertheless, Trump recently hosted Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in July. Speaking to Time magazine, Trump defended the war with Iran, saying he may still seek to annihilate Iran and could resume bombing after the midterm vote.

Trump also defended Benjamin Netanyahu regarding reports that Egypt and the United Arab Emirates had warned of the impending Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. He noted that people have written off Bibi many times, just like they have written off himself, adding that he would not underestimate Bibi.

When asked if US security support would change if Gadi Eisenkot were to win the October 27 vote, Trump stated he does not hear bad things about him.