Israel Election: Trump warns of solo US Iran strikes if Netanyahu loses

US President Donald Trump issued a second public endorsement for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening, only days before Israel’s general election. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged voters to support the incumbent, framing the choice as essential to completing ongoing military operations.

The president explicitly warned that a change in leadership would alter the division of labor in the conflict with Iran. "If Israel has the wrong leader, meaning anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this job itself, and I'm not inclined to do that," Trump wrote. The Jerusalem Post noted that this remark referred directly to the current confrontation with Iran, suggesting a shift toward unilateral US action if Netanyahu loses.

Trump described his working relationship with the Israeli leader as productive, citing two specific military campaigns as evidence of their success. He named Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury, stating that the two leaders had been "winning together." The post concluded with a direct appeal to the electorate: "Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister; we have to finish the job that we started!"

The endorsement follows reports that Netanyahu actively lobbied for fresh support from Washington in the final stretch of the campaign. The Jerusalem Post reported earlier on Sunday that the prime minister and his allies within Trump’s inner circle increased pressure for new statements of support. Two American sources described the prime minister’s behavior during this period, with one noting, "We have never seen Netanyahu like this before. He is showing signs of political desperation."

Additional details about the lobbying efforts emerged from a separate report by Axios. That account stated that Netanyahu and Trump spoke twice within the previous three days. During these conversations, the Israeli leader reportedly suggested specific wording for the endorsements. An Israeli source briefed on the matter said Netanyahu also proposed that Trump speak directly with Israeli journalists to reiterate his backing.

The timing of the post places it squarely in the final days before voters go to the polls. The message combines praise for Netanyahu’s record, a direct vote request, and a strategic warning about US foreign policy. It reflects the reported efforts by the prime minister to secure visible, high-level support from the White House as the election approaches.