Trump Says He Will Visit Israel ‘Soon,’ Avoids Question About Military Aid
Donald Trump Image by Getty Images.
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he would visit Israel soon and dodged a question about whether the United States would continue subsidizing defense assistance to the Jewish state in an interview with an Israeli newspaper.
“I’ll be there soon,” the presumptive Republican nominee told Israel Hayom in an posted Wednesday when asked about reports he would visit the country.
Israel Hayom is a free newspaper owned by billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, a Republican mega-donor who has said he will back Trump in the November election.
Trump, a real estate magnate, did not say whether he would visit before the Nov. 8 election. An email to the campaign spokesman, Hope Hicks, was unanswered.
He planned to visit in December, but canceled after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the candidate’s proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States.
Asked whether the U.S. would continue subsidizing defense assistance to Israel, he said only “We are going to protect Israel.”
Trump has said Israel should pay for U.S. defense assistance. Israel and the United States are currently negotiating an extension of the agreement under which the United States gives Israel $3 billion annually in defense assistance.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
