Prominent evangelical leader Mike Evans, an influential Republican figure and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, sought to calm Israeli worries over recent harsh remarks from Trump associates in an interview with Ynet's Itamar Eichner. Evans said the current tension does not reflect Trump's policy toward Israel and pointed to what he called Trump's record, including freeing hostages, recognizing Jerusalem, and attacking Iran.
Evans said there is a political calculation behind the friction, as Trump is trying to avoid damage in the upcoming midterm elections in November. He stressed that Trump would not agree to any arrangement with Iran that gives it $300 billion, adding,