The White House is “relieved” that Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has postponed a planned trip to Israel, saying tensions in the Middle East are too high for the candidate who’s making headlines with his plan to bar Muslims from the U.S.
“Most people are relieved that he’s reconsidered,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Thursday, adding that White House officials are among those breathing a sigh of relief.
“The situation in Israel is particularly volatile, and in this case his decision … is a good outcome for all those involved,” Mr. Earnest said.
Mr. Earnest said he’s not aware of any administration officials trying to talk Mr. Trump out of his planned trip.
He said those who are glad that Mr. Trump halted his travel plans “may also include the prime minister of Israel,” Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr. Netanyahu has repudiated Mr. Trump’s plan to bar Muslims from the U.S. temporarily in the wake of the jihadist massacre last week in California. After the Israeli leader rejected his plan, Mr. Trump announced Thursday that he is postponing his trip to Israel and will reschedule at a later date.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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