US President Donald Trump has praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he has performed remarkably well despite facing difficult circumstances.
“He’s done a very good job as Prime Minister under very trying conditions,” Trump said when asked about his backing for Netanyahu. Speaking to reporters in Andrew, Iowa, Trump dismissed suggestions that Netanyahu had actively requested or pleaded for his political endorsement ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections, while reiterating his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s leadership.
For incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu, the narrative is simple: a projection that only he can keep the Iranian threat at bay, especially with his endorsement from US President Trump. Netanyahu’s coalition comprises his own Likud Party, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s pro-settler Religious Zionism, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s far-right party, Jewish Power. “Since we are currently in the midst of a war, a lot of citizens are concerned about our safety. First and foremost, it is the concern about the safety and security of the Israeli people. The second thing that a lot of people are talking about is Orthodox Jews joining the army.
And third, a lot of people are concerned about where things will go from here…all these things combined are what will determine the outcome tomorrow…I am concerned that we might see a tie, and then Netanyahu will probably remain in power in the second round,” he said.
A total of 7,336,553 citizens are registered and eligible to cast their ballot. To accommodate the electorate, officials have established 12,018 polling stations nationwide. Significant focus has been placed on voter accessibility, with 6,209 accessible polling stations available, a figure that includes 3,621 dedicated special accessibility stations.
