OMM Redaksiyası
US President Donald Trump declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for another term ahead of Israel’s October 27 elections, according to an interview published Thursday by “TIME” magazine.
Asked whether Netanyahu should be given another term, Trump said he was “not involved in politics anymore,” before adding that he wanted to help Israel defend itself. The interview was conducted on Monday.
Trump points to popularity in Israel
Trump said he believed he remained highly popular among Israelis, claiming his approval there was “like 99%” because of policies he had pursued.
Asked whether Washington could work more effectively with opposition contender and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, Trump said he had not heard bad things about him, but cautioned against underestimating Netanyahu.
“People have written off Bibi (Netanyahu) many, many times, just like they’ve written off me many, many times,” Trump said.
Relations reportedly strained
Trump’s relationship with Netanyahu has reportedly become more strained in recent months amid the war in Iran and Israel’s continued attacks in Lebanon and Gaza.
