Trump will ‘likely’ back Netanyahu in election, but ‘needs to know’ something

Trump described the relationship with Netanyahu as less friendly than in the past.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

President Donald Trump told Kan News on Thursday that he is likely to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel’s next election, adding that the Israeli leader needs to be “more rational” and support the emerging agreement with Iran.

President Trump said he would “very likely” back Netanyahu in the upcoming vote but indicated his final decision would depend on the field of candidates.

“But,” he added, “I need to see who is running. I have a good relationship with Bibi, but he needs to be more rational. I am willing to meet with him.”

The interview took place one day after President Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran.

During the conversation, he also addressed concerns regarding enriched uranium that remains in Iranian possession. “It’s very unimportant. It is safely buried underground, and at the appropriate time we will get it,” President Trump said.

He urged Israelis to support the developing agreement with Tehran, saying, “We removed the main threat, and it will no longer have nuclear weapons.”

The interview came as The Wall Street Journal reported new details about recent conversations between President Trump and Netanyahu, describing the relationship as less friendly than in the past following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.

According to a source familiar with one telephone conversation cited by the newspaper, President Trump expressed anger over destruction in Lebanon and told Netanyahu: “Why are you blowing up buildings? Stop blowing up buildings.”

The Wall Street Journal also reported that President Trump told advisers on another occasion that nobody can deal with Netanyahu and that he wants “to bomb everybody.”

A senior U.S. administration official quoted by the newspaper said Netanyahu consistently advocated a more military approach during conversations with President Trump, adding that the president had grown tired of those arguments.