Trump claims endorsement shifted momentum for Netanyahu in 26th Knesset election race

"When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned, and now, rather than a decisive defeat for a Great Prime Minister, it looks like a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN.

US President Donald Trump took credit for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's performance during the election on Wednesday morning by claiming his endorsement shifted the election's momentum.

Taking to Truth Social, the president quoted Irving C. Schwartz, who said, “When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned, and now, rather than a decisive defeat for a Great Prime Minister, it looks like a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN for Netanyahu.

"It all took place AFTER the Endorsement by President Trump, who only wants what is good for the Middle East, Israel, and the United States of America!”

Trump: Netanyahu did better than expected

Later, on the tarmac by Air Force One, a reporter asked Trump about the election, to which he responded, "I heard the poll numbers were wrong... the exit polls; I heard he [Netanyahu] did very well. It was pretty close, but very well. When the endorsement went out, it helped him a lot."

Trump concluded, "It's a little bit early, but I'm hearing in Israel, top people say, 'Wow! He did a lot better than people thought.' It's looking like maybe a stalemate or a win."