Donald Trump claims his endorsement helped Benjamin Netanyahu improve his election prospects as Israel faces a potential coalition deadlock, with neither major bloc projected to secure a parliamentary majority. (Images: Dynamite News)
Washington DC/Tel Aviv: US President Donald Trump has claimed that his endorsement helped strengthen Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s electoral prospects, as partial results from Israel’s closely contested election pointed to a parliament without a clear majority. Trump also indicated that he could consider involvement in efforts to form a unity government.
With approximately 93% of ballots counted, Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to secure 53 seats in Israel’s 120-member Knesset. The opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot was expected to win 48 seats, leaving both camps short of the 61 seats required to command a parliamentary majority. Arab parties were projected to capture 19 seats, potentially placing them in a pivotal position as political leaders assess possible coalition arrangements.
Speaking about the results, Trump said Netanyahu was in a relatively strong position and suggested his public backing had made a significant difference. When asked whether he would consider helping efforts to establish a unity government under Netanyahu’s leadership, the US president replied that he would take a look.
Trump had publicly urged Israeli voters to support Netanyahu before the election, arguing that the two countries needed to complete their shared objectives. In a Truth Social post, he claimed the political momentum shifted after his endorsement, describing the outcome as a possible comeback for Netanyahu or a stalemate.
However, the projected seat distribution indicated that coalition negotiations could prove decisive in determining the next government. Reports that Washington was favouring particular coalition arrangements were described by an official as false and premature while counting continued.
Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasised his close relationship with Trump, portraying the US president as an important partner in confronting security challenges, particularly those involving Iran. The final outcome and subsequent coalition negotiations will determine whether Netanyahu can assemble a governing majority or whether Israel faces a prolonged period of political uncertainty.
