Netanyahu says Trump-backed push against Iran "would finally, finally, remove the Iranian threat"

On the eve of Israel’s Tuesday election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted Donald Trump’s endorsement and suggested that, if he wins, the two could resume their military campaign against Iran. Netanyahu said Trump was prepared to act against what he called the Iranian danger only while Netanyahu stayed in office, and said he had directed the Mossad and the military to try to overthrow Iran’s government. Trump posted that voters should back Netanyahu and complete the effort they began. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the U.S. would not attack Iran before the American midterms. Netanyahu’s main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, praised Trump as a friend of Israel but accused Netanyahu of fear-mongering. The vote is the first since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and follows wars on several fronts; polls suggest Likud could lose seats.