Trump holds back endorsement as Netanyahu trails in Israel polls

US President Donald Trump has not endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27 election, as polls show the prime minister's coalition trailing the opposition. Netanyahu's Likud party is projected to win 21 seats against Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party at 25, according to a Zman Yisrael survey cited by The Times of India. Overall, the anti-Netanyahu bloc is forecast to win 58 seats, three short of a majority, while his supporters would get 50.

The Axios report, covered by Times Now, said Trump asked Netanyahu directly about his polling during a July 28 White House visit and later described the Israeli leader as 'his own worst enemy'. Tensions have grown over Iran, Lebanon and Gaza. Netanyahu publicly rejected Trump's Gaza Board of Peace plan, but later agreed to give it a chance after a call with envoy Jared Kushner, who is expected in Israel next week.

Netanyahu's rivals are quietly urging Trump to stay out of the race, The Times of India reported. Meanwhile, Shin Bet is weighing providing armed security to Eisenkot as the campaign intensifies, amid fears of Iranian targeting.