Several Arab leaders have privately urged US President Donald Trump to reconsider his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli public broadcaster KAN News reported on Wednesday.
According to the report, the leaders described Netanyahu and his government as “an obstacle to realizing his vision in the region.”
Additionally, Arab diplomats familiar with the discussions said regional governments increasingly view Netanyahu as an impediment to Trump’s diplomatic ambitions in the Middle East, left-leaning Israeli daily Haaretz reported.
Sources told Haaretz that several Arab leaders believe that Trump "is beginning to see Netanyahu as an obstacle to realizing his vision in the region and to advancing regional arrangements."
They also reportedly told the president that they lack confidence in both Netanyahu’s leadership and the current Israeli government.
The reports come as Israel prepares for elections in late October, with governments across the region closely watching how the political race develops.
Arab leaders look to sway Trump's feelings on Israel's leadership
KAN reported that Arab officials are seeking to shape Trump’s assessment of Israel’s leadership as he considers the future of his regional policies.
The president has continued to highlight his longstanding relationship with Netanyahu, even as he has publicly criticized the prime minister.
Trump has suggested that he has not yet decided how to approach the Israeli election and is examining the broader field of candidates.
Last month, he said that he was “very likely” to support Netanyahu. However, he followed his purported comment of support by saying that he would "need to see who is running."
"I have a good relationship with Bibi, but he needs to be more rational," he said.