Trump Hesitates to Endorse Netanyahu Amidst Election Concerns
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Channel 12 commentator Amit Segal explained President Donald Trump's hesitation to endorse Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming Israeli elections. Segal believes Trump is concerned about appearing as a "loser" and is closely watching Israeli polls, which currently show a close race. Trump may only offer support in the final week if Netanyahu appears to be gaining ground, while also citing a possible strain in their relationship. The White House is reportedly considering non-intervention or limited support for Netanyahu.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Amit Segal suggested Donald Trump is waiting to endorse Benjamin Netanyahu due to poll results and fear of appearing a "loser".
- Trump may endorse Netanyahu in the final week before Israeli elections if polls show him closing the gap.
- A White House source estimated a 60% chance of non-intervention in the Israeli elections.
- Segal contrasted Trump's current stance with his alleged assistance to Netanyahu in 2019.
- The commentator cited Trump's unsuccessful attempt to help Viktor Orbán as a cautionary example.
Channel 12 commentator Amit Segal analyzed President Donald Trump's reluctance to publicly endorse Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the Israeli elections, suggesting the White House is monitoring Israeli polls and may only issue a statement just before the vote. Segal noted that Trump's current approach differs from 2019, when he believes Trump actively assisted Netanyahu's campaign. Trump himself indicated he had not yet considered endorsing a candidate, stating, "We might do something."
Segal outlined three factors influencing Trump's decision to wait. Firstly, Trump aims to avoid being perceived as a "loser" unless his endorsement is guaranteed to be decisive, citing a past unsuccessful attempt to help Viktor Orbán in Hungary. Secondly, current polling data reaching the White House suggests a near-even split between political blocs in Israel, making Trump hesitant to intervene at this stage.
However, Segal suggested that if Trump observes Netanyahu closing the gap in polls conducted by the White House in the final week before the election, he might then choose to intervene. The third factor Segal identified is a perceived deterioration in the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu. He quoted a White House source who estimated a 60% chance of non-intervention, a 30% chance of supporting Netanyahu, and a 10% chance of supporting another candidate, adding that this source "didn't even remember the name of the second candidate."
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