Trump Predicts Netanyahu Election Victory, Israeli Leader Hints at Further Action Against Iran
“I think you're going to have a tremendous victory, actually,” Trump said, with Netanyahu placing his mobile phone on speaker.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – US President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that he expected him to secure a “tremendous” victory in Israel’s October 27 election, as the two leaders exchanged praise and Netanyahu hinted at possible further joint action against Iran.
In a video released by Netanyahu, the two right-wing leaders were heard speaking by telephone, a day after Trump publicly endorsed the Israeli prime minister in the closely contested election.
“I think you're going to have a tremendous victory, actually,” Trump said, with Netanyahu placing his mobile phone on speaker.
“You're the man I want by my side, Bibi,” Trump added, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.
Netanyahu, while reminding Trump that their conversation was being broadcast on an open line, praised the US president for joining Israel in military strikes against Iran, a longstanding objective of the Israeli leader.
“Donald, we have a job to finish,” Netanyahu said. “We'll finish it together. We'll finish it, and no one else will do it.”
Netanyahu did not elaborate on what he meant by finishing the job but reiterated his view that Iran's clerical leadership remained “the greatest danger,” nearly eight months after the large-scale joint US-Israeli attack.
Israel and Iran have been longstanding adversaries, with tensions centered on Tehran's nuclear program, its missile capabilities, and its support for armed groups across the Middle East. Successive Israeli governments have regarded Iran's expanding military influence and nuclear ambitions as major national security threats.
Netanyahu has repeatedly argued that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons is a central Israeli security priority. Washington's participation in the joint military operation marked a significant escalation in the confrontation between the two countries.
Trump's public endorsement of Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 election also underscored the close political relationship between the two leaders. His prediction of an overwhelming victory came as Netanyahu faced a closely contested race, while his remarks about finishing the job with Iran raised questions about whether further military action could be under consideration.
However, Netanyahu provided no details about any potential future operation, and the telephone exchange did not establish that a new joint attack had been agreed upon.