Media: Trump has not publicly endorsed Netanyahu ahead of Israeli election

U.S. President Donald Trump has not publicly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s upcoming election, according to Israel’s Channel 12.

The report said Trump raised the issue of Netanyahu’s standing in public opinion polls during a meeting with the prime minister about two weeks ago. Netanyahu reportedly hesitated before answering, prompting one of his advisers to intervene.

A former senior U.S. official cited by Channel 12 said Netanyahu’s relatively low approval ratings are among the factors influencing the White House’s decision not to publicly back him at this stage.

Despite the lack of a formal endorsement, Trump continues to maintain close ties with Netanyahu. However, according to the report, the U.S. president appears to be in no rush to publicly support the Israeli prime minister ahead of the election.

By Sabina Mammadli