Trump snubs weakened Netanyahu after election: 'Our relationship is with Israel'

US President Donald Trump appeared to distance himself from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday as the long-time leader's future hangs in the balance following a tight election.

With nearly all votes counted on Thursday, the centrist Blue and White Party stood at 33 seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, while Netanyahu's conservative Likud stood at 31 seats.

The deadlock follows the second Israeli elections this year, which were called because Netanyahu failed to cobble together a coalition following the April vote.

Speaking to reporters in Los Angeles, Trump said he had not spoken to Netanyahu since Tuesday's election, indicating that the US relationship with Israel was more important than one leader.

"Those results are coming in and it's very close," Trump said. "Everybody knew it's going to be very close. I said we'll see what happens. Look, our relationship is with Israel. We'll see what happens."

Since taking office Trump has warmly embraced Netanyahu and his right-wing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, winning praise from hardliners for moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognising Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights.

Netanyahu for his part has made his close relationship with Trump the centrepiece of his re-election campaign, with posters of the two leaders erected across Israel.

But Trump's recent comments may reflect a desire to separate himself from political allies who become weakened, political observers have noted.

After April polls, Netanyahu suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career when he failed to form a coalition although his Likud party along with its right-wing and religious allies came out on top.

The Israeli attorney general has also announced his intention to indict Netanyahu on fraud, bribery and breach of trust charges pending a hearing, expected to be held soon after the election in early October.

Many expect him to seek immunity if re-elected.