Jerusalem:US President Donald Trump's endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might have limited effect on the upcoming elections, according to analysts. As Israelis prepare to vote for the 120-member Knesset, Trump's backing is viewed as a double-edged sword that may not significantly alter voter behavior.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, analyst Ahron Bregman stated that Trump's support is more of a desperate attempt by Netanyahu to garner backing from a friend, and it could even lead to backlash among voters who oppose foreign intervention in domestic politics. A Channel 12 poll indicates that 64% of respondents are not influenced by Trump's endorsement, while 17% say it makes them less likely to support Netanyahu.

Trump's endorsement, which he expressed through his Truth Social platform, described Netanyahu as a "Great Warrior Prime Minister" and was aimed at reinforcing Netanyahu's leadership as linked to Washington's stance against Iran. However, it marks a rare move by a US president to openly support a candidate in Israeli elections.

Analyst Ryan Bohl noted that while the endorsement might not change many voters' minds, it could still play a role in the fractious political environment of Israel. It may dissuade some Likud voters from switching allegiance to other right-wing parties and could bolster Netanyahu's position in post-election coalition talks.

Netanyahu's Likud party is currently facing challenges from opposition parties, and Trump's endorsement comes amid contentious political dynamics in Israel. Bohl suggested that despite the endorsement's potential drawbacks, Netanyahu could leverage his relationship with Trump to strengthen his position on issues such as Iran and the West Bank, provided he remains in office.