Trump denies second Netanyahu endorsement request as Israel polls stall

President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he has not discussed issuing a second endorsement for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a claim that directly contradicts recent reports from Washington.

Speaking to reporters while boarding Air Force One for a trip to Mississippi, Trump addressed the question of whether the Israeli leader had requested additional public support. "I never spoke about it," the president said. He noted, "I put out both endorsements. I put out both," adding that he believes Netanyahu has performed well under difficult circumstances.

The exchange highlights a disconnect between the White House narrative and internal diplomatic efforts. US officials previously told The Jerusalem Post that Netanyahu had engaged in intensive efforts to secure another statement of support. These efforts followed the initial endorsement, which failed to create a measurable shift in Israeli polling data.

According to an Axios report, the two leaders spoke twice within a three-day period. During those calls, Netanyahu reportedly asked Trump to reinforce his public backing. The prime minister even suggested specific wording for new statements and requested that the American president interview Israeli journalists to emphasize his position.

The Likud party has publicly denied the reports that Netanyahu sought a second endorsement. The denial comes as the Israeli election campaign enters its final phase, with both sides competing for voter confidence amid ongoing regional tensions.

In the same conversation, Trump commented on Brazil's presidential election, where incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated Flávio Bolsonaro. Trump stated, "I'm not running Brazil. I'm running the USA." However, he criticized the vote counting process, calling the extension of voting hours by two hours "very strange." The extension was ordered by Brazil's Supreme Court following complaints about public transportation disruptions.

Trump said he gets along well with Lula but felt the election tabulation had "a very bad look." The decision to extend voting time sparked political controversy in Brazil, though the final results favored the incumbent.

Trump's remarks on Israel and Brazil were made just before his departure for a campaign rally in Mississippi, where he is scheduled to address supporters later this week.