Trump mulling Israel visit on eve of Knesset election – report

US Embassy in Israel preparing for possible visit by President Trump, as Israeli lawmakers are slated to move forward with legislation dissolving the Knesset and setting a date for this year’s election.

By World Israel News Staff

American officials are examining the possibility of a visit by President Donald Trump to Israel in September, Israel Hayom reported Sunday, a trip that could carry major diplomatic and political weight if it takes place during Israel’s election campaign.

According to the report, preliminary discussions are underway at the US Embassy in Israel over a possible presidential visit.

As part of those preparations, officials are considering whether to scale back the embassy’s traditional July 4 Independence Day celebrations and instead hold larger events around Trump’s possible arrival.

If the visit goes ahead, Trump is expected to formally receive the Israel Prize, Israel’s top civilian honor, which was awarded to him earlier this year for what Education Minister Yoav Kisch described as his “unique contribution to the Jewish people.”

Trump did not attend the Israel Prize ceremony in April, and Israeli officials have said he could receive the award in person during a future visit.

Israel Hayom reported that officials familiar with the matter said a visit is not currently on the agenda as long as the war with Iran continues.

But if a ceasefire or broader understandings bring a period of calm, the possibility of a September visit could become more practical.

The timing would be politically sensitive. Israel is already moving toward a possible early election after the Knesset voted 110-0 earlier this month in a preliminary reading to advance a bill to dissolve parliament.

The move followed a coalition crisis over legislation sought by ultra-Orthodox parties to regulate military service exemptions for yeshiva students.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition submitted its own dissolution bill after ultra-Orthodox lawmakers threatened to bring down the government over the issue.

The bill still requires additional votes before becoming law. Coalition whip Ofir Katz is expected to bring the legislation to the Knesset House Committee on Monday, June 1, before sending it to the plenum for its first of three required readings.

No election date has been set. Under the current schedule, elections must be held by October 27, though the dissolution bill could bring the vote forward by several weeks.

Ultra-Orthodox parties have reportedly pushed for an early September election, while Netanyahu has sought to avoid a date that could harm the right-wing bloc’s chances.

A Trump visit in September could therefore come during an active campaign or shortly before Israelis go to the polls.

Netanyahu has long highlighted his close relationship with Trump, who moved the US Embassy to Jerusalem, recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and brokered the Abraham Accords during his first term.

A presidential visit and Israel Prize ceremony could give Netanyahu a high-profile diplomatic boost at a politically vulnerable moment.

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee hinted in May that he hoped Trump would visit Israel, saying the president would receive overwhelming support if he ran for office in the country.

Israel Hayom said some political figures believe efforts are underway behind the scenes to prevent such a visit because of its potential impact on the election campaign.

The US Embassy declined to comment on the report.