Netanyahu touts Trump endorsement on eve of vote, suggests they may restart war on Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) shakes hands with US President Donald Trump during his visit to the White House in Washington. (AFP pic)JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasted of his endorsement from Donald Trump on the eve of Israel's election, suggesting the two leaders could restart their war against Iran if he wins, after Trump said they should "finish the job"."US president Donald Trump has come with a friendship that has never existed before between an Israeli prime minister and an American president. "And it is doubtful we will ever have such a friendly president again," Netanyahu said in a televised appearance late on Sunday night.

"He has another two years, and he says he is calling on you to vote for me," he added.In his own social media post on Sunday, Trump, who launched the Iran war jointly with Netanyahu in February, said: "Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister, we have to finish the job that we started!"Netanyahu said Trump was willing to take action "that would finally, finally, remove the Iranian threat", but only as long as Netanyahu himself remains in power."And I have already instructed the Mossad and the IDF (military) to bring down this regime, to bring down this regime because that is the only way to put an end to this threat," Netanyahu said, referring to Israel's main intelligence service and military.Asked for comment on Netanyahu's remarks, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said: “As president Trump stated, Iran is in very bad condition, both economically and militarily, and the blockade will remain in full force and effect, with oil flowing in record numbers of barrels through the Hormuz Strait.""The US will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections," Kelly added via email, referring to the Nov 3 vote in the US.Netanyahu's leading opponent, centrist former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, posted his own comments on social media, praising Trump as "a true friend of Israel"."I value his efforts and his commitment to Israel’s security, and I am confident that he will work in full cooperation with any leader chosen by the people," he said.Eisenkot accuses Netanyahu of fear-mongeringTuesday's vote, Israel's first since the Oct 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, is the first chance for voters to deliver a verdict on the worst security failure in generations and the wars o…