Trump on Israeli elections: I should stay out, but may endorse someone

US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, stated that he believes it is most appropriate for him to stay out of Israel's upcoming elections, while leaving open the possibility that he could ultimately endorse a candidate. Trump said, "I think it's most appropriate for me to stay out of Israeli elections, but I may endorse somebody." The comments come amid ongoing speculation regarding whether Trump will intervene in the Israeli campaign to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he has maintained a close but occasionally strained relationship in recent months. Axios reported that political rivals of Netanyahu, including Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett, and Gadi Eisenkot, have urged the President through intermediaries to remain neutral. During the interview, Trump also addressed the situation in Gaza, claiming progress is being made toward the disarmament of Hamas. Regarding Iran, the President told Fox News that the country should "put up the white flag of surrender," adding that he has no specific time schedule for his approach toward Tehran.