October 20, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a strong political boost from US President Donald Trump, a few days before the Israeli elections scheduled for October 27. Netanyahu took advantage of this support to present his vision for the future relationship with Washington, warning of the possibility of the arrival of an American president who is “extremely hostile to Israel” in the future.
In response to Trump’s announcement of his support for him, Netanyahu wrote on the “X” platform: “Thank you, President Trump, for the tremendous support and joint work. Together we will accomplish the mission.”
According to what was reported by the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu held an election event during which he reviewed his security vision and the potential challenges that Israel may face in the next stage. Referring to the American political scene, Netanyahu warned of a possible change in Washington within two years, saying: “A president very hostile to Israel may assume the presidency, and it will then be necessary to establish other alliances.”
In the same context, Netanyahu revealed his intention to allocate an additional 450 billion shekels to the defense budget, linking the strengthening of military capabilities to the need to prepare for scenarios that may witness a shift in the nature of relations with the United States. He added, asking: “How will you deal with this situation? How will you act against the United States? And most importantly, what are the necessary solutions?”, stressing that what is required is to make “the utmost effort during these two years, and in the following two years, in confronting the American arena, in good times and in bad.”
These developments coincide with Trump’s direct intervention in the Israeli electoral battle by declaring his explicit support for Netanyahu, and warning him that choosing any other figure to lead the government would be “choosing the wrong leader.”
Trump emphasized in his position that “if Israel chooses anyone other than Netanyahu, he will be the wrong leader,” in a clear reference to the size of the American bet on Netanyahu remaining in power. Trump also linked the election results to the Iranian file, warning: “If Netanyahu does not win the elections, we will have to carry out the mission against Iran ourselves, and I am not inclined to do that.”
Trump concluded by stressing that the United States “has provided a lot to Israel,” considering that Netanyahu represents “the type of partner we ask Israel to provide.”
