Behind Trump's Netanyahu Endorsement: Opposition Efforts and Internal US Debate
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after intense behind-the-scenes efforts by both sides. Israeli opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, attempted to prevent the endorsement through various contacts. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee also met with opposition figures like Gadi Eisenkot, which reportedly spurred Netanyahu's camp to seek Trump's backing. Some of Trump's advisors opposed the endorsement, but he ultimately proceeded, possibly influenced by polling data from John McLaughlin.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli opposition leaders and some of Trump's advisors tried to prevent his public endorsement of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu's camp actively sought and received a public endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump.
- U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee met with opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, prompting increased pressure for Trump's support.
- Yair Lapid confirmed his efforts to prevent Trump from endorsing Netanyahu ahead of elections.
- Polling data from John McLaughlin may have influenced Trump's decision to endorse Netanyahu.
Intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering preceded U.S. President Donald Trump's public endorsement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Netanyahu and his team pushed for an explicit statement of support, leaders of Israel's "change bloc" opposition parties attempted to thwart it through contacts with Trump's circle and Miriam Adelson. Some of Trump's close advisors also opposed the move, but the president ultimately decided to back Netanyahu.
According to a report by Gili Cohen on Kan News, citing sources familiar with the matter, opposition leaders engaged in various efforts to prevent Trump from granting Netanyahu public backing ahead of the elections. Yair Lapid stated, "I worked to prevent Trump's support." Conversely, Netanyahu advocated for a clear declaration from the American president, with Trump's endorsement echoing Likud campaign messages, including the assertion that only Netanyahu would attack Iran.
In parallel, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee had been in contact with opposition leaders in recent months. Last week, his meeting with Gadi Eisenkot, a leading candidate to replace Netanyahu, drew significant attention in the U.S. and reportedly intensified pressure from Netanyahu's camp to secure Trump's public endorsement.
Opposition to the endorsement was not solely an Israeli affair. Amihai Stein reported for i24NEWS that two sources indicated some of President Trump's close aides and advisors were against a public show of support for Netanyahu. Despite these objections, Trump opted to issue the endorsement. John McLaughlin, who conducted polling for both Trump and Netanyahu, may have played a role in the decision, though the extent of his influence remains unclear.
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