Trump Takes Credit For Netanyahu's Poll Performance, Says He'll 'Take A Look' At Coalition Talks

News world Trump Takes Credit For Netanyahu's Poll Performance, Says He'll 'Take A Look' At Coalition Talks

Trump Takes Credit For Netanyahu's Poll Performance, Says He'll 'Take A Look' At Coalition Talks

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Last Updated: October 29, 2026, 04:00 IST

Trump said Netanyahu was in “pretty good shape” after partial results showed his bloc ahead of the opposition.

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An aerial view shows a campaign billboard depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party and US President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv. (AFP photo)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday took credit for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s performance in the country’s closely contested election, saying his endorsement helped improve the premier’s prospects.

Trump also said he would consider getting involved in efforts to form a unity government in Israel.

Speaking to Axios on Wednesday, Trump said Netanyahu was in “pretty good shape" after partial results showed his bloc ahead of the opposition, although neither side appeared to have secured a parliamentary majority.

“I heard my endorsement made a big difference for Bibi," Trump said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

Asked whether he would help efforts to form a unity government led by Netanyahu, Trump replied, “I will take a look."

However, a US official told The Times of Israel that the White House had not decided whether to intervene in coalition negotiations. Reports suggesting Washington favoured specific coalition arrangements were “false and premature", the official said, adding that the results were still coming in.

Netanyahu’s Bloc Leads, But Majority Remains Elusive

With around 93% of ballots counted, Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to win 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while the opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot was expected to secure 48. Neither grouping had reached the 61 seats needed for a majority.

Arab parties were projected to win 19 seats, potentially giving them a decisive role in determining the next government.

Trump had endorsed Netanyahu before the vote, urging Israelis to back the prime minister and saying the two countries needed to “finish the job that we started".

Trump Says Endorsement Changed Election Picture

Trump also praised his endorsement in a post on Truth Social, claiming it had shifted the election from what he described as a likely defeat for Netanyahu to a possible victory or stalemate.

“When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned," he wrote, adding that the outcome now looked like “a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN for Netanyahu".

Netanyahu has repeatedly highlighted his close relationship with Trump, calling the US president as a key partner in addressing security threats, particularly those posed by Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Quick Answers Powered by Ask News18 What did Donald Trump say about his impact on Benjamin Netanyahu's election performance? US President Donald Trump claimed that his endorsement helped improve Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's electoral prospects, turning a potential defeat into a potential win or stalemate. How many seats did Netanyahu's bloc project to win in the 120-member Knesset election? With around 93% of ballots counted, Netanyahu's bloc was projected to secure 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, falling short of the 61-seat majority required to form a government. What was Trump's response regarding potential US intervention in Israeli coalition talks? When asked if he would help form a unity government led by Netanyahu, Trump stated he would "take a look". However, a US official noted that the White House had not yet decided whether to intervene and that reports of favored arrangements were premature. Powered by Ask News18

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First Published: October 29, 2026, 03:58 IST

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