rki.news | Sources Anadolu
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has declined to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for another term ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 elections, stopping short of directly backing his longtime political ally.
In an interview with TIME published Thursday, Trump said his priority was helping Israel defend itself when asked whether Netanyahu should receive another term. He also said he had not heard “bad things” about opposition contender and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, while cautioning against underestimating Netanyahu.
Trump highlighted his popularity in Israel while avoiding a direct endorsement of either candidate. His comments come amid reported tensions in his relationship with Netanyahu over developments involving Iran, Lebanon and Gaza.
Asked about reports that Netanyahu had received advance intelligence concerning the Oct. 7 attacks, Trump rejected the suggestion, saying he believed Netanyahu would have acted if he had known beforehand.
Turning to the Iran conflict, Trump said US military operations were expanded beyond initial expectations because he wanted to go further in targeting what he described as Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.
Trump also discussed the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran’s closure initially disrupted shipping but claiming the US later took control of the strategic waterway. He said Washington rejected an Iranian truce proposal linked to reopening the strait because the terms were considered insufficient.
Asked whether the US could intensify airstrikes after the November congressional elections, Trump initially said it was possible but declined to provide further details.
Trump Stops Short of Backing Netanyahu Ahead Elections
