President Trump says his endorsement boosted Netanyahu's standing in tight Israeli election

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that his endorsement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu altered the dynamics of Israel's election, suggesting the race shifted from a likely defeat to a possible stalemate or win for Netanyahu after the endorsement. He wrote that the endorsement was intended to benefit the Middle East, Israel and the United States.

Exit polls with more than 70% of votes counted show Netanyahu's party holding a slight lead over the bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot, while Arab parties have made modest gains.

Netanyahu responded to the poll results by describing President Trump as an ally and saying the United States-Israel partnership offers a "once-in-a-lifetime historic opportunity" to address the Iranian threat.

The president had previously urged voters to support Netanyahu, stating, "Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister, we have to finish the job that we started!" Netanyahu echoed the sentiment, noting the uniqueness of the friendship between the two leaders.

Trump cited an individual named Irving C. Schwartz as a source for his claim, though the identity of that person remains unclear and has been questioned on social media.

(With Reuters inputs)