US President Donald Trump has provided his full backing to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reelection bid, describing him in a social media post as a "Great Warrior Prime Minister" and an "even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran." This late support follows a period in which Trump had previously shied away from fully backing Netanyahu’s election campaign.
The endorsement comes despite a rocky relationship between the two leaders in recent months and diverging strategies on Gaza and Iran. In a phone call aired by Netanyahu, the pair hinted at further action against Iran and Trump predicted an election victory for the Israeli leader. Trump also warned that the US may not "do this work" if Israel changes leaders.
However, a poll by the country's top-rated TV station found that the unusually explicit endorsement has not boosted Netanyahu's bid and may have even damaged it. The poll results emerge at a time when many voters have already made up their minds on who to vote for.