US President Trump says he 'may endorse someone' ahead of the Israeli elections
’It’s most appropriate for me to stay out of Israeli elections, but I may endorse someone,’ Trump tells Fox News
US President Trump suggested Monday that he could potentially support a candidate in Israel’s upcoming election, while indicating that he would prefer to remain officially outside the campaign.
Asked by a Fox News journalist whether he might become involved in Israel’s election, Trump initially said, “I think it’s more appropriate for me to stay out of that,” before adding, “However, I might lend my support to someone.”
Trump’s comments come as Israel’s political parties step up their campaigns ahead of the Knesset election scheduled for October 27. In recent weeks, several Israeli political figures have reportedly sought to persuade Trump’s allies and associates to prevent him from openly backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to reports in the Israeli media, associates of Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett have reached out to Trump’s allies, donors and other contacts, urging the US president to maintain a neutral position in the Israeli election.
Trump’s remarks also follow a recent report by Axios about his meeting with Netanyahu in Washington at the end of July. According to the report, Trump asked the Israeli prime minister about the Likud party’s performance in the polls.
Netanyahu reportedly hesitated before one of his advisers responded: “Mr. President, he is winning.”
The exchange reportedly came as Netanyahu was seeking a public show of support from Trump ahead of the Israeli election, according to sources cited by the outlet.
Trump’s latest comments leave open the possibility that, despite his stated preference to remain outside the race, he could ultimately endorse or publicly support a candidate as the campaign intensifies.