Trump Denies Seeking New Endorsement for Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Election

US President Donald Trump on Monday denied reports that he had discussed issuing another public endorsement for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, contradicting media accounts that suggested Netanyahu had actively sought further backing from Washington. Trump made the remarks to journalists aboard Air Force One while en route to a campaign event in Mississippi. When asked if Netanyahu had requested a second public endorsement, Trump stated, "I never spoke about it." He noted that he had already publicly supported Netanyahu twice, calling him an "outstanding" leader under difficult circumstances. Trump had previously posted on his social media platform Truth Social, urging voters to remember that "Bibi has been an outstanding Prime Minister of War!"

These statements contrast with information provided to the "Jerusalem Post" by American government officials. These sources indicated that after Trump's initial endorsement, Netanyahu attempted to persuade the US President to make another public statement. The motivation, according to these reports, was that the first endorsement did not appear to significantly boost Netanyahu's Likud party in the polls. The outlet "Axios" also reported on similar efforts, stating that Netanyahu had spoken with Trump twice within three days, requesting another public show of support. The reports further alleged that Netanyahu even suggested specific wording for potential endorsements and asked Trump to speak with Israeli journalists to underscore his backing.

Netanyahu's Likud party has denied these reports.