Trump claims takes for Netanyahu’s performance in Israeli election
Trump claims campaign impact
Trump took credit for Netanyahu’s performance in Tuesday’s Knesset election, saying his endorsement changed the campaign’s direction. In a Truth Social post, he described the result as a possible comeback, stalemate or win for the Israeli prime minister.
Trump attributed a quoted statement to a man named Irving C. Schwartz. He also said he had heard Netanyahu did well and that his endorsement helped when it came out.
Exit polls show no majority
Exit polls suggested that neither Netanyahu’s grouping nor the grouping of Gadi Eisenkot would win enough seats for a majority in the Knesset. The results therefore did not establish that either side could form a majority.
Leaders have backed each other
Netanyahu promoted Trump’s endorsement in a televised message on Sunday, telling voters that Trump was calling on them to vote for him. Trump and Netanyahu have been closely aligned during Trump’s second term.
The United States and Israel have both launched strikes on Iran during that period. Separately, Trump has backed Republican campaigns across the country and appeared at rallies amid grim polling for the party.
Key points
- Trump said his endorsement helped Netanyahu’s campaign turn around.
- Exit polls suggested neither Netanyahu’s nor Eisenkot’s grouping would secure a Knesset majority.
- Trump and Netanyahu have been closely aligned during Trump’s second term.