The US Embassy in Israel is examining the possibility that US President Donald Trump will visit the country in September, Israel Hayom has learned.
As part of the preliminary preparations for a possible presidential visit, officials are also considering scaling back the July 4 events marking American Independence Day and holding broader celebrations around Trump's possible arrival in Israel.
If the visit does take place, the US president is expected to receive the Israel Prize during his stay in the country. Education Minister Yoav Kisch previously announced that the prize would be awarded to Trump in recognition of his "unique contribution to the Jewish people."
Israeli officials familiar with the matter said that as long as the war with Iran continues, a presidential visit to the region is not on the table. However, if understandings or an agreement are reached that bring about a period of calm, the possibility of a visit could become realistic.
The possible timing of the visit also carries political significance. If Trump arrives in Israel in the midst of the election campaign, it could give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a boost, as he frequently emphasizes his close relationship with the US president. At the same time, political officials believe some are working behind the scenes to prevent such a move because of its possible effect on the campaign.
The first hint of a possible visit came from US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who was asked during the Tel Aviv University conference in May whether Trump was expected to visit Israel and replied that he "hoped so." Huckabee added, "If Trump were running in Israel, he would receive 95% support. There has never been an American president who was so close to Israel."
The US Embassy in Israel declined to comment on the report.
