Netanyahu cites Trump backing ahead of Israeli election, hints at renewed Iran war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited US President Donald Trump's endorsement on the eve of Israel's election, suggesting the two leaders could restart their war against Iran if he remains in power. Trump called on Israeli voters to back Netanyahu and said they needed to "finish the job".

In a televised appearance on Sunday night, Netanyahu described his relationship with Trump as unprecedented and said the US president had urged Israelis to vote for him. He added that Trump has two more years in office and is calling on voters to support him.

“US President Donald Trump has come with a friendship that has never existed before between an Israeli prime minister and an American president. And it is doubtful we will ever have such a friendly president again.”

Netanyahu suggested Trump is prepared to take further action to eliminate what he described as the Iranian threat, linking this prospect to his continued leadership of Israel. He said he had already instructed the Mossad and the Israel Defense Forces to bring down the Iranian regime.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said Iran is in very bad condition economically and militarily, and that the US blockade will remain in force. She stated the United States will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections.

Trump first endorsed Netanyahu on October 18 and reiterated his support on Sunday. Asked whether Netanyahu had requested the second endorsement, Trump said he never spoke about it and put out both endorsements.

Netanyahu's leading opponent, centrist former military Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, posted his own comments on social media praising the prime minister's relationship with Trump.