WATCH: Donald Trump endorses Netanyahu

American real estate mogul Donald Trump expressed frustration that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu cannot be president of the United States in an interview Tuesday with The Jerusalem Post.

Netanyahu, who spent much of his childhood in a Philadelphia suburb, cannot be US president, because he was born in Israel. Trump led high profile, unsuccessful efforts to prove that US President Barack Obama was not born in America and even offered to donate money to charity if Obama produced his birth certificate.



"I think he would have been a great president of the United States,” Trump said in a telephone interview.

Trump, who considered seeking the Republican presidential nomination, said he wished Obama would take a stronger stance for Israel. He dismissed criticism of Netanyahu being too close to the GOP at the expense of the Democrats, who control the Whited House and Senate.

"I have great respect for Netanyahu,” Trump said. “He has a tremendous understanding of Israel and where it's going. His voice is respected. I don't think he has a bad relationship with Democrats, and he has the respect of the president.”

Trump's daughter Ivanka converted to Judaism when she married Jewish businessman Jared Kushner. Trump said the couple loves Israel.

Despite his trademark “you're fired” line, Trump said Netanyahu should keep his job.

“Netanyahu will not be fired,” Trump said. “They can't lose that kind of talent, passion, someone who knows what's best for the country."