Donald Trump confirmed that he will visit Israel “soon,” and possibly before the general election, as he believes he has “massive” support from Israelis.
“You are the first person to tell me that there are people in Israel who view me in a negative light, because I enjoy such massive support in Israel,” the presumed Republican nominee told Boaz Bismuth in an interview for Israel Hayom, a free Israeli tabloid.
Bismuth had asked Trump what he would say to critics of his calls for allies of the United States, such as Israel, to pay back the military aid they have received.
“We are going to protect Israel. Don’t forget, Israel is our great bastion of hope in that region so Israel is very important,” Trump said.
When asked if he would be visiting Israel “before the election,” Trump replied: “I’ll be there soon.”
A recent poll shows that Israelis prefer Trump’s presumed Democratic rival, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to be the next president.
Trump was scheduled to visit Israel in December to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu, but cancelled it after the prime minister criticized his comments on Muslims.
Israel Hayom is owned by billionaire businessman Sheldon Adelson, a major GOP donor who last week said he would back Trump.
