Trump Credits Himself for Netanyahu’s Poll Performance, Says He’ll Review Coalition Talks

Trump Credits Himself for Netanyahu’s Election Performance, Says He’ll ‘Take a Look’ at Coalition Talks

US President Donald Trump has claimed that his endorsement helped Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu improve his standing in Israel’s closely contested election. Trump also indicated that he may consider getting involved in efforts to form a unity government, even as uncertainty persists over the country’s next governing coalition.

In an interview with Axios on Wednesday, Trump described Netanyahu as being in “pretty good shape” after partial election results showed the prime minister’s bloc leading the opposition, although neither side appeared to have secured the parliamentary majority required to form a government.

“I heard my endorsement made a big difference for Bibi,” Trump said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

Asked whether he would assist efforts to establish a unity government under Netanyahu’s leadership, Trump replied, “I will take a look.”

However, a US official told The Times of Israel that the White House had not decided whether to intervene in Israel’s coalition negotiations. The official dismissed reports suggesting Washington was backing particular coalition arrangements as “false and premature”, adding that vote counting was still underway.

Netanyahu’s Bloc Leads as Majority Remains Out of Reach
With approximately 93% of ballots counted, Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to secure 53 seats in Israel’s 120-member Knesset, while the opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot was expected to win 48 seats.

Neither bloc had reached the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority, leaving the formation of the next government uncertain.

Arab parties were projected to win 19 seats, potentially placing them in a pivotal position in determining the composition of the next government.

Before the election, Trump had publicly endorsed Netanyahu, urging Israeli voters to support the prime minister. He also said the two countries needed to “finish the job that we started”.

Trump Says His Endorsement Shifted the Election
Trump reiterated his claim of having influenced the electoral contest in a post on Truth Social. He argued that his endorsement had changed Netanyahu’s prospects from what he described as a likely defeat to a possible victory or a deadlock.

“When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned,” Trump wrote, suggesting the outcome could become “a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN for Netanyahu”.

His remarks came as Israel faced uncertainty over whether either political camp could assemble the support needed to govern.

Netanyahu’s Close Ties With Trump in Focus
Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasised his close relationship with Trump, portraying the US president as an important partner in addressing Israel’s security concerns, particularly threats associated with Iran.

Trump’s comments signal his willingness to consider a role in Israel’s coalition-building process, but the White House has not confirmed any decision to intervene. With neither bloc projected to hold a majority on its own, the coming negotiations could prove crucial to determining Israel’s political future.