Trump on Israeli Elections: Received Alarming Reports, Seeks Coalition Influence

The US president claimed his support aided Netanyahu, while seeking influence over the makeup of Israel's next government.

In an interview with Axios, US President Donald Trump said he received alarming reports during the initial vote tally in Israel's Knesset election, asserting that his endorsement saved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from defeat. This was reported by Maariv and The Jerusalem Post.

According to the reports, Washington is closely monitoring the political deadlock, with neither bloc securing a majority. Following the vote, Trump reportedly seeks influence over the makeup of the next Israeli government to advance his regional ambitions across Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, even if it requires sidelining ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

Further details regarding official diplomatic contacts between Washington and Jerusalem have not yet been released.