Pres. Trump Tells PM Netanyahu He Did Not Mention Israel to Russians

U.S. President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday that he never “mentioned the word or the name Israel” during a recent conversation with Russian diplomats in the White House when classified material was discussed.

Trump made the comment during a meeting between the two at the King David Hotel in Yerushalayim prior to a dinner for the Trumps and Netanyahus in the evening.

Trump was referring to reports that information he gave to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak endangered the life of an Israeli spy embedded in Islamic State.

Trump also reportedly told Netanyahu that intelligence cooperation between the two allies is “terrific.” It’s another story the media has gotten wrong, he said.

“Intelligence cooperation is terrific and has never been better,” Netanyahu agreed.

At a press conference earlier in the day, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was asked, “Does the president plan to apologize for sharing Israeli intel with the Russians?

Tillerson replied: “I don’t know that there’s anything to apologize for.”

“What about their concerns?”

“To the extent the Israelis have any questions, or clarification, I’m sure we’re happy to provide that,” Tillerson said.