White House ‘relieved’ Trump cancels trip to Israel

The White House said it’s “relieved” that Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has scrapped his planned trip to Israel.

Spokesman Josh Earnest called Trump’s decision a “good outcome” because his presence there could have inflamed the volatile situation in the Middle East. 

{mosads}“Most people are relieved he has reconsidered,” Earnest said. “The situation in Israel is particularly volatile. In this case, his decision is a good outcome for all those involved.” 

Those “relieved” over Trump’s decisions “may include” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Earnest said.

Trump canceled his trip to the Jewish state one day after Netanyahu criticized his proposed ban on Muslims entering the United States. 

“I have decided to postpone my trip to Israel and to schedule my meeting with @Netanyahu at a later date after I become president of the U.S.,” the brash billionaire tweeted.

His planned itinerary reportedly included a visit to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, a holy site that has been a source of conflict between Muslims and Jews for generations. 

Palestinian claims that Israel is trying to change rules governing the Temple Mount have fueled a recent spate of violence between Muslims and Jews. 

Netanyahu’s government has denied it is trying to assume control of the site, which is managed by an Islamic authority known the Waqf. 

Netanyahu joined condemnation from President Obama and other world leaders of Trump’s plan to block Muslims from traveling to the United States. 

“The state of Israel respects all religion and adheres to the rights of all citizens,” the Israeli leader said in a statement.

Obama used a speech commemorating the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery to jab Trump over his plan. 

“We betray the efforts of the past if we fail to push back against bigotry in all its forms,” he said. 

 – Updated at 2:50 p.m.