Washington: Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that his public endorsement helped Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu improve his electoral prospects as preliminary results pointed to a closely contested parliamentary election. However, Netanyahu’s ability to form a stable government remains uncertain, with coalition negotiations likely to determine the political outcome.
In an interview with Axios, Trump said he had been told that his support had made a significant difference for Netanyahu, whom he frequently calls “Bibi”. Asked whether he would consider helping bring political rivals together to form a unity government, Trump said he would look into the possibility.
Trump also reiterated his assessment on Truth Social, suggesting that his endorsement had improved Netanyahu’s chances. However, the extent to which the endorsement influenced Israeli voters has not been independently established.
White House Yet to Confirm Involvement
Despite Trump’s remarks, a US official told The Times of Israel that the White House had not decided whether to become involved in coalition negotiations. The official also rejected suggestions that Washington had already backed a particular political arrangement.
The clarification distinguishes Trump’s personal willingness to consider involvement from any confirmed decision by the US administration. No formal mediation effort has been established in the information available.
Preliminary Results Indicate a Tight Contest
According to preliminary figures from Israel’s Central Elections Committee, cited by The Times of Israel, Netanyahu’s bloc had secured 53 seats, compared with 48 for the opposition, with approximately 90% of votes counted.
Several smaller parties were reportedly polling below the 3.25% electoral threshold required to enter the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Their final performance could affect the distribution of seats and the prospects of competing political alliances.
The count remained incomplete, with double-envelope ballots, including votes cast by active-duty soldiers, still to be processed. The preliminary figures therefore do not establish the final parliamentary balance.
Coalition Talks to Shape Netanyahu’s Political Future
Netanyahu’s immediate challenge is to secure sufficient parliamentary support to form a government. His existing allies may need to negotiate additional arrangements, while opposition parties face the task of overcoming their own political differences to assemble an alternative coalition.
A unity government could require compromises on security policy, domestic legislation and military service, among other contentious issues.
Trump’s endorsement has drawn attention to the close relationship between the two leaders, particularly on regional security and Iran. However, its actual electoral impact remains unclear.
The final results and subsequent coalition negotiations will determine whether Netanyahu can secure a governing majority. For now, neither the formation of a unity government nor US involvement in the process has been confirmed.
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