Report: Trump refused to push back Israel trip to June

Israeli officials reportedly wanted Trump's visit to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Six Day War and Jerusalem Day, which is often celebrated as the reunification of Jerusalem.

By YASSER OKBI/ MAARIV HASHAVUA
Updated: MAY 6, 2017 21:12
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump gestures to the press (photo credit: REUTERS)
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump gestures to the press
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Washington declined Israel's request to push back US President Donald Trump's Israel visit to June, sources told London based newspaper Al Hayat reported over the weekend.
Israeli officials reportedly wanted Trump's visit to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Six Day War and Jerusalem Day, which is often celebrated as the reunification of Jerusalem.
The sources stated that the timing would not work out with the NATO meeting and G7 Summit, the main purpose of Trump's visit over seas.
Arriving during the celebrations in Israel could also give a biased appearance to America's Israel relations, the sources added.
It was stressed that an important part of the trip was Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister stated that the visit would enhance cooperation between the United States and Muslim countries in the fight against extremism.
Describing the visit as historic, Jubeir said Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia would include a bilateral summit, a meeting with Arab Gulf leaders and another with leaders of Arab and Muslim countries.
"It’s a clear and powerful message that the US harbors no ill will” toward the Arab and Muslim world, he said. "It also lays to rest the notion that America is anti-Muslim. ... It's a very clear message to the world that the US and the Arab Muslim countries can form a partnership."
Saudi Arabia was set to be the first stop on Trump's trip, followed by his May 22 arrival to Israel.
Reuters contributed to this report.