Israel election: Trump claims credit for Netanyahu’s 'come-from-behind' performance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot both claimed they could lead the next government following Tuesday’s election, even as early vote counting showed no clear winner.

Counting is still underway, and definitive results are expected to take until Thursday.

According to reports, with 54 per cent of the votes counted, Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to win 55 seats, while Eisenkot’s bloc was projected to secure 49 seats. The two Arab coalitions, the Joint List and Ra’am, were projected to win 12 and four seats, respectively.

Multiple exit polls have shown the two camps running neck and neck, with neither securing a clear path to power. In Israel’s 120-member Knesset, a party or coalition needs at least 61 seats to secure a majority and form a government.

Despite the tight race, US President Donald Trump has already taken credit for what he described as Netanyahu’s “come-from-behind” performance. In a post on Truth Social, Trump quoted Irving C. Schwartz, who argued that the US president’s endorsement had shifted the momentum of the election.

“When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned, and now, rather than a decisive defeat for a Great Prime Minister, it looks like a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN for Netanyahu. It all took place AFTER the Endorsement by President Trump, who only wants what is good for the Middle East, Israel, and the United States of America!” Trump quoted Schwartz as saying in the post.

Earlier, speaking to reporters after attending a rally in Texas, Trump had made similar claims, saying his endorsement had helped the Israeli prime minister in the polls.

“From exit polls, I’m hearing (Netanyahu) was doing very well. I think when the endorsement went out, it had helped him a lot,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu asserted that the right-wing bloc enjoyed a “significant, decisive majority” among Jewish voters and those who support a Jewish state.

He also ruled out forming a government dependent on Arab parties, describing them as anti-Zionist. Netanyahu alleged that some of these parties supported Hamas and had called Israeli soldiers “murderers and war criminals”.

“It is simply forbidden that we should endanger Israel and establish a government that leans on Arab parties that are anti-Zionist,” he said.