Trump endorses Netanyahu, warns US may act alone against Iran

US President Donald Trump on Sunday evening endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a second time, days before Israel’s legislative election. Trump warned that if Israel elects the wrong leader, the United States would have to confront Iran itself, a task he is not inclined to do.According to The Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu intensified his efforts to secure additional support from Trump earlier on Sunday. American sources confirmed that Netanyahu and his supporters within Trump’s inner circle were increasing pressure on the president to issue new statements of support.In a Truth Social post, Trump called Netanyahu an “outstanding Warrior Prime Minister” and urged voters to cast their ballots for “Bibi” (Netanyahu). He highlighted their strong relationship, stating they had “won together,” referencing military operations “Midnight Hammer” and “Epic Fury.”An earlier report by Axios indicated that Netanyahu and Trump had spoken twice in the past three days. Netanyahu reportedly suggested specific wording for new endorsements and proposed that Trump speak with Israeli journalists to reiterate his support. An Israeli source briefed on the efforts described Netanyahu’s actions as a sign of “political desperation.”Trump’s warning about the consequences of electing a leader other than Netanyahu for US-Israel relations underscores the ongoing tensions with Iran. He stated, “If Israel has the wrong leader, meaning anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this job itself, and I’m not inclined to do that,” directly referring to the confrontation with Iran.In this context, the US Department of State recalled non-essential personnel from Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, and Lebanon on October 21 and 22, 2026. The New York Times reported on October 22, 2026, that the United States and Israel plan new attacks on Iran after the US midterm elections on November 3. These operations are expected to target Iranian energy sites, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone stockpiles. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on October 23, 2026, described the US-Israeli relationship as “parasitic,” noting that the US has spent $11 billion on Israel’s missile defense over the past three years.The upcoming election in Israel and the regional instability could directly affect Nepali workers currently employed there or those preparing to go. Nepal and Israel signed a labor agreement on September 30, 2020, and are finalizing two additional bilateral protocol agreements concerning “home-based care” and “agricultural workers.”A lottery for the selection of Nepali assistant workers was held at the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) office in Jerusalem on October 18, 2026, with 836 candidates selected. More than 2,100 additional employment opportunities for Nepali assistant workers in Israel are expected to open soon.Israel’s legislative election is scheduled for October 27, 2026, with official results to be confirmed on November 4, 2026. The outcome of this election will significantly impact Israel’s domestic politics and regional security policy. Furthermore, the potential US-Israeli attacks on Iran, planned after the US midterm elections on November 3, could further complicate the geopolitics of the Middle East.