US Ambassador Mike Herzog Says Trump Avoids Intervening in Israeli Elections to Prevent Harm

In a special interview with Israeli journalist Yonit Levi on August 26, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Herzog stated that President Donald Trump prefers not to interfere in the upcoming Israeli elections. Herzog explained that Trump is aware his involvement could both help and harm, and thus has not decided whom he might support. The ambassador also revealed he has a scheduled meeting with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot and has met with various Israeli political leaders amid the fragmented election landscape.

Addressing the complex US-Iran relations, Herzog described Trump’s contradictory statements as a deliberate strategy to confuse Iran, hinting at coordinated Israeli-American military actions. He emphasized that while the US hopes to avoid further conflict, the possibility of another military operation against Iran remains if diplomatic efforts fail. Herzog reaffirmed Trump’s firm stance against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons or enriched uranium.

Regarding Gaza, Herzog clarified that the US does not expect Israel to withdraw from the territory until Hamas is fully disarmed, a position reportedly shared by both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jared Kushner. He stressed the importance of dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities before any territorial concessions.

On the issue of extremist settlers involved in violent acts against a Palestinian-American family in the West Bank village of Kuseira, Herzog condemned these actions as terrorism. He criticized the perpetrators for causing harm to Israel and the Jewish people and called for an end to such violence. He also noted that US involvement intensified due to the victim’s American citizenship, prompting Israeli authorities to act.

Herzog concluded by reiterating that Trump’s reluctance to publicly endorse any candidate stems from his sensitivity to the potential negative impact of interference, though the president will speak out when he chooses. The ambassador’s comments provide insight into the US administration’s cautious approach to Israeli politics and regional security challenges.