Trump, Clinton to meet with Netanyahu on eve of first debate

Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of their first presidential debate, a senior Israeli official and both campaigns said Saturday.

The Israeli prime minister’s office did not provide further details, including whether the meetings were at Netanyahu’s invitation. The separate meetings Sunday in New York will follow Netanyahu’s annual visit to the United Nations General Assembly. The prime minister met with President Barack Obama earlier in the week on the sidelines of the gathering of leaders.

The Trump and Clinton meetings come as both White House hopefuls seek to convince voters they are best prepared to represent the U.S. on the global stage. Trump has no official experience in diplomacy, but he has boasted that he will use the tactics he honed in business to be a tough negotiator with foreign powers and do away with deals unfavorable to the United States. Clinton has underscored her deep familiarity with foreign policy and national security from her years as secretary of state and in the Senate.

Trump’s campaign confirmed his plans to meet with Netanyahu but did not immediately comment on what the two intend to discuss. Clinton’s campaign later also confirmed her plans. Neither campaign provided details about the location or timing.

Clinton and Trump face off in their first debate Monday at Hofstra University, outside New York City.

Israel is a principal U.S. ally and often a main topic in U.S. presidential politics. It has not been much of a topic this year, although both candidates have expressed strong support for Israel, and Clinton applauded a huge 10-year military support package approved by Congress earlier this month.