JERUSALEM — Donald Trump has refrained from giving Benjamin Netanyahu a public election endorsement. The U.S. President avoided offering an explicit endorsement of Netanyahu on four separate occasions in recent weeks.

Figures close to Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, and Yair Lapid conveyed messages to Trump’s associates in recent months asking him to remain neutral in the Israeli election. Senior American officials describe Trump as fond of Benjamin Netanyahu but increasingly frustrated by his decisions.

In private conversations, Trump characterized the Israeli leader differently. "Netanyahu is his own worst enemy," Trump said.

Trump holds potential leverage over Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a public endorsement and a move involving President Isaac Herzog on the issue of a pardon. Trump has previously and repeatedly urged Israel’s president to “fully pardon” Netanyahu or halt the corruption trial against him.

Benjamin Netanyahu's current coalition does not have the 61 seats needed to form a government. If no one succeeds in forming a government, Benjamin Netanyahu will remain in office as caretaker prime minister until another election.

Timeline

In April 2019, Trump recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights days before the April 2019 election. On August 2, 2026, Trump asked Benjamin Netanyahu directly about his standing in the polls during a meeting at the White House approximately two weeks prior to August 16, 2026. Also on August 2, 2026, an adviser to Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump that Netanyahu was 'winning' when asked about poll standings.

What's New

PureSource News previously reported that the Board of Peace issued a contract for a Gaza military outpost. In July 2026, Hamas announced the resignation of its civilian administration under the Gaza peace plan and US President Trump announced that his Board of Peace had reached an agreement to disarm Hamas. PureSource News previously reported that the NYPD planned a 60-officer detail for a Netanyahu visit. Additionally, reporting indicates that Trump has previously and repeatedly urged Israel’s president to “fully pardon” Netanyahu or halt the corruption trial against him.

Why It Matters

Support in Israel for some of Trump’s policies has weakened following the agreement with Iran and restrictions imposed on Israel’s freedom of action in Iran, Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. The withholding of an endorsement occurs as the White House seeks to advance its Board of Peace plan in Gaza, creating a complex dynamic between personal ties and policy objectives.