U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 national election, warning that a change in leadership could force Washington to confront Iran without Israeli support.
In a social media post on Sunday, Trump described Netanyahu as the only suitable leader for Israel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining close U.S.-Israel cooperation during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
“If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so,” Trump wrote.
The endorsement comes as Israel prepares for its first national election since the October 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the Gaza war. Voter concerns over the government's wartime decisions, hostage negotiations and Netanyahu's leadership are expected to influence the election.
Trump also claimed Iran had been severely weakened militarily and economically, warning that the United States could launch further operations unless Tehran changes its approach.
Netanyahu welcomed Trump's endorsement and reaffirmed their shared military objectives, declaring, “Together we will complete the mission.” Speaking to Israeli journalists, he claimed that approximately 90% of the effort to dismantle Iran's ruling establishment had already been completed.
Meanwhile, Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as defense minister on Sunday, replacing acting minister Majid Ebn al-Reza. The appointment follows the death of former defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh during U.S.-Israeli strikes in February.
Akhlaqi, a longtime Iranian defense industry official sanctioned by Washington and the European Union, has pledged to rebuild military infrastructure, expand domestic weapons production and accelerate defense technology development.
His appointment coincides with reports that Washington has considered additional strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure, potentially involving the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, known as the “mother of all bombs.”
The new defense minister warned that renewed American attacks could trigger significant retaliation and threaten U.S. military personnel stationed across the Middle East.
Escalating tensions and uncertainty surrounding Israel's election could increase volatility in global oil markets and defense stocks, including Lockheed Martin and RTX. Investors are closely watching potential disruptions to regional energy supplies and further military developments as the October 27 vote approaches.
