Real-estate billionaire Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s re-election campaign in an exclusive interview Tuesday with The Daily Caller.
“They called me from Israel and asked if I would be willing to make an endorsement, and I did so without hesitation. I think [Netanyahu] has done a great job,” Trump told TheDC.
Netanyahu’s center-right Likud Party, with its new right-wing coalition partner Yisrael Beiteinu, is expected to win a majority of seats in the Jan. 22 parliamentary elections, ensuring Netanyahu a third term — his second consecutive term as prime minister.
Should Netanyahu and his allies fail to win a majority, 52-year old Labor Party leader Shelly Yachimovich could become prime minister. (RELATED VIDEO: Watch Netanyahu offer U.S. Ambassador a hamburger)
The Labor Party has been historically dovish militarily, causing many moderate voters to support Netanyahu for his tough stance on Iran.
“Iran is a major threat. He understands that,” Trump said.
“I have spent time with him. I know him. I respect him a lot. His general unwavering love of his country is very admirable. He really gets it.”