Netanyahu asks Trump to strengthen public endorsement ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election as U.S. source says White House sees a “sign of desperation”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Trump to strengthen his public endorsement ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election, Israeli Channel 12’s Barak Ravid reported.

Netanyahu spoke with Trump twice over the past three days. He proposed wording for additional endorsements and suggested that Trump speak directly with Israeli journalists.

An American source said the White House views Netanyahu’s repeated requests as a “sign of desperation,” suggesting he is concerned about his electoral position.

Trump endorsed Netanyahu last Sunday. Some of Trump’s advisers, however, believe a different Israeli government could be more cooperative in advancing Washington’s Middle East agenda.