In a somewhat bizarre turn of events, 1980s action-film and TV icon Chuck Norris has issued an endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
Israel does not directly elect its prime minister, but a nominee, generally from the majority party, is named by the president and submitted for approval from the Knesset. Netanyahu is head of the current majority party Likud.
Norris has become something of a popular culture icon in recent years and recently returned to the big screen last year’s “The Expendables 2.”
“You might think I’m a tough guy in my films, but in a rough neighborhood like the Middle East, Israel has its own tough guy,” says the 72-yer-old martial arts master in a video that shows images of both men. “His name is Bibi Netanyahu.”
He mentions Netanyahu’s tough stance against Iran and his sucessful efforts to free Hamas hostage Gilad Shalit.
Real estate mogul Donald Trump has also endorsed Netanyahu, according to Haaretz.
Israelis go to the polls on Jan. 22nd.
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