Trump endorses Netanyahu ahead of Israeli election

President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection, reversing months of reluctance as Israel’s Oct. 27 vote approaches. Trump praised Netanyahu as a strong ally in confronting Iran and warned that, without him in office, the United States could be left to take on the conflict itself; he also threatened further action against Tehran if it does not change course. The endorsement gives Netanyahu a potentially valuable boost, though its effect on the closely watched race is unclear, particularly as some Israelis have criticized the outcome of the war and Trump’s ceasefire proposal. The endorsement comes amid strains between the two leaders over how to handle the conflict.