Trump endorses Netanyahu in tight Israel elections

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US President Donald Trump gave Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his “complete and total endorsement” Sunday, boosting the leader nine days before Israel’s pivotal election.
The endorsement comes as the embattled prime minister faces a tough reelection and Israel’s isolation deepens, particularly amid mounting West Bank violence.
Masked settlers allegedly attacked European diplomats Saturday, a day after reports that settlers beat a Washington Post photographer, drawing European condemnation and prompting the US’ top diplomat to urge Israel to “crack down.”
The prime minister’s office decried a “coordinated campaign to smear Israel.”
The election stakes “could hardly be higher,” two experts wrote for The Washington Institute, warning that souring US attitudes toward Israel risk an “irreversible reality with grave strategic consequences.”

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