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Trump Floats Possible Defense Treaty Days Ahead of Israeli Elections

Reuters

   WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trumpsaid Saturday that he had
   spoken with Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu about a possible
   mutual defense treatybetween the two nations, a move that could bolster
   Netanyahu'sre-election bid just days before Israelis go to the polls.

   "I had a call today with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discussthe
   possibility of moving forward with a Mutual Defense Treaty,between the
   United States and Israel, that would further anchorthe tremendous
   alliance between our two countries," Trump saidon Twitter.

   He added that he looked forward to continuing thosediscussions later
   this month on the sidelines of theU.N.General Assembly session in New
   York.

   Netanyahu thanked Trump, saying in a tweet that Israel "hasnever had a
   greater friend in the White House," and adding thathe looked forward to
   meeting at the U.N. "to advance a historicDefense Treaty between the
   United States and Israel."

   Close race seen

   The timing of Trump's tweet, just days before Israel'selection on
   Tuesday, appeared aimed at buttressing Netanyahu'sbid to remain in
   power by showcasing his close ties to Trump.

   Opinion polls predict a close race, five months after aninconclusive
   election in which Netanyahu declared himself thewinner but failed to
   put together a coalition government.

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