IDAN KWELLER

Idan Kweller is the diplomatic correspondent for the Hebrew news site, Walla .

An election campaign poster featuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alongside US President Donald Trump is displayed on a bus in Jerusalem, October 25, 2026

Trump says he saved Netanyahu from crushing election defeat - now, he wants influence - analysis

Otzma Yehudit party chairman and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir seen at his party’s election headquarters in Modi'in, October 28, 2026

Trump wants Ben-Gvir, Smotrich out of Israel's next government, US sources tell 'Post'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir attend the graduation ceremony of an IDF officers’ course in southern Israel, June 25, 2026.

'Complete fabrication': Netanyahu, Katz deny plans to fire IDF chief Zamir ahead of election


Trump denies discussing Netanyahu request for another endorsement: ‘I never spoke about it’

Less than 24 hours before Israel’s elections, the US president was asked whether Netanyahu had requested a second endorsement and denied discussing the matter, despite contradictory reports.

Banner from the Likud campaing showing Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

Trump repeats endorsement of Netanyahu, calls for Israel, US to 'finish the job'

"When you go to the Polls please remember that Bibi [Netanyahu] has been an outstanding Warrior Prime Minister!" Trump wrote. 

An election campaign poster featuring Israeli Prime Minister and Likud party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu alongside US President Donald Trump is displayed on the back of a bus in Jerusalem, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 25, 2026.

'MAGA conservatives' dream candidate': Trump administration eyes Orban as next UN chief - report

According to the report, Washington believes, based on previous discussions, that Russia and China would also back Orban, potentially making him a joint candidate supported by all three powers.

(L/R) US President Donald Trump greets Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC on November 7, 2025.

Trump rules out Sunday strike on Iran as Netanyahu warns Israel faces imminent existential threat

Trump also said that the US is actively monitoring activity at Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site as well as three other sites that were allegedly destroyed in previous strikes. 

US President Donald Trump prepares to board Air Force One on October 25, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

Netanyahu shows 'political desperation' in push for Trump backing, US sources tell 'Post'

As Netanyahu seeks more Trump endorsements before Israel's elections, US officials signal readiness to work with any government and pursue regional deals.

Banner from the Likud campaing showing Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

US updates Israel travel warning, cites growing threat from Iran-backed Houthis

The travel advisory update warns of potential escalation by Iranian-backed Houthis, while keeping Israel at Level 3 and maintaining Level 4 restrictions in designated border areas.

 Footage released by Houthi Military Media says to show a launch of missile, which the Houthis say they fired at Israel, at an unknown location in this screen grab obtained from a handout video released on December 19, 2024.

Rubio received intel. warning of Iranian plots against US diplomats, official confirms to ‘Post’

The confirmation follows an Axios report revealing a US intelligence warning that Iran has significantly escalated efforts to target American personnel in the Middle East and beyond.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media after meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in New York, US, September 23, 2026.

US, Israel plan renewed Iran strikes after midterms, focusing on short, intense attacks - report

According to the report, the plans focus on a short, intensive military operation that could last approximately three days and include strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

 A joint exercise between the IAF and US Air Force

Vance downplays choice not to support Netanyahu, says won't endorse 'any more foreign candidates'

"I'm going to be focused on the midterm elections here in the United States of America," Vance told reporters.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu and US Vice President JD Vance meet at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem last month. US politics has transformed Israel into a volatile symbol of domestic partisan identity, the writer asserts.

Abdul El-Sayed faces Michigan Senate race controversy over Hamas remarks by Democratic activist

A hidden-camera investigation has sparked controversy in Michigan's Senate race over claims involving Hamas and foreign donations, with Abdul El-Sayed's campaign rejecting the activist's allegations.

Democrat US Senate candidate for Michigan Abdul El-Sayed speaks on stage with US Representative Ayanna Pressley (L), Democrat of Massachusetts during a midterm campaign rally in Flint, Michigan on October 18, 2026.