Trump Claims Credit for Netanyahu's Comeback in Tight Israeli Race
Donald Trump claims his endorsement shifted the momentum for Benjamin Netanyahu in a tight Israeli election race.
As the counting of votes continues in a high-stakes Israeli election, US President Donald Trump has stepped forward to claim credit for the shifting fortunes of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. With the race tightening significantly, Trump suggests his endorsement provided the critical momentum needed for the Likud Party boss to mount a come-from-behind performance.
The Current Standings: A Race to the Finish
The election results remain fluid as counting progresses. According to figures released as of 7:43 am local time, with 55.4% of the votes tallied, the bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu is projected to secure 55 seats. In contrast, the opposition bloc, headed by Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar Party, is projected to win 49 seats.
Additionally, the two Arab coalitions are seeing representation, with the Joint List projected at 12 wins and Ra'am at 4. Officials note that these results are partial and subject to change, particularly as votes cast in double envelopes—including those from soldiers—are processed later.
Trump’s Claim of Influence
Despite the narrow margin, Donald Trump has been vocal about his role in the current trajectory of the polls. Taking to Truth Social, the US President quoted an observation by Irving C. Schwartz, who asserted that Trump's endorsement turned the tide of the election.
“When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned, and now, rather than a decisive defeat for a Great Prime Minister, it looks like a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN for Netanyahu,” the post read.
Trump reiterated this sentiment during a conversation with reporters following a rally in Texas. He mentioned that based on exit polls, Netanyahu was performing very well and stated, “I think when the endorsement went out, it had helped him a lot.”
Netanyahu’s Vision for a Right-Wing Government
For his part, Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the right-wing bloc holds a "significant, decisive majority" among those who support a Jewish state and Jewish voters. He has called for national unity to establish a strong, right-wing government.
Netanyahu has been firm in his opposition to any coalition that relies on Arab parties. Labeling such parties as "anti-Zionist," he alleged that some support Hamas and characterize Israeli soldiers as "war criminals" and "murderers." He emphasized that endangering Israel by leaning on such parties is "simply forbidden."
A Nation Divided
This general election marks the first since the devastating Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023. The voting process has taken place against a backdrop of severe national polarization regarding state leadership, security accountability, and the autonomy of Israel's democratic institutions.
Netanyahu, a dominant figure in Israeli politics for 19 years, faced a particularly steep challenge in this cycle. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot and his Yashar Party had been leading in several opinion surveys prior to the actual vote, making the current projection a significant shift in momentum.