Trump endorses Netanyahu ahead of Israeli elections

US President Donald Trump has endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israeli parliamentary elections scheduled for next week.

Trump wrote his message in a social media post on Sunday, stressing the significance of US-Israeli cooperation in military operations against Iran.

Trump addressed his message "To the Great People of Israel," and went on to write that Netanyahu "has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran."

He continued, "Please let this Letter serve to represent my Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu."

Trump's message comes as the latest opinion polls show that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud Party is expected to lose a number of seats in the October 27 election. Trump had not taken a stance on Israeli elections until Sunday.

Netanyahu thanked Trump in a video statement, saying he was "honored and humbled" by the "extraordinary endorsement."

The prime minister said there is still a mission left to complete with regard to Iran. He said Trump indicated he cannot finish the mission against Iran with anyone other than Netanyahu.

Netanyahu has stressed that it is about Israel's "very existence," and called on Israelis to support his party so he can stay in power and eliminate the Iranian threat in cooperation with the United States.

It remains to be seen how Trump's support will affect public opinion in Israel as Netanyahu struggles in the run-up to the elections.