Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he and US President Donald Trump may have “tactical differences” from time to time over handling of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but stressed that the two leaders remain in agreement on key issues and continue to maintain a strong relationship.Speaking in an interview with CNBC in Jerusalem, Netanyahu downplayed reports of a growing rift with Trump in the wake of recent tensions over Israeli military operations in Lebanon.“Sometimes, as in the best families, we have these tactical disagreements. But we always find a way to resolve them, and we do it as great friends,” he said.He added that he agreed with Trump on the main goals, especially preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and addressing the security threats facing Israel.“We can disagree in the morning and find common ground by the afternoon,” Netanyahu said.His comments come after Trump criticized Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday regarding the Israeli escalation in Lebanon, Axios reported. He described Netanyahu as “crazy” and accused him of ingratitude.Trump said, according to what the American official was quoted as saying: “You are crazy. You would be in prison if it were not for me. I have you. Everyone hates you now. Everyone hates Israel because of this.”
Later, Trump publicly admitted to having a heated phone conversation with the Israeli leader regarding ongoing Israeli military action in Lebanon.In an interview with the New York Post, Trump confirmed reports that he used strong language during a call with Netanyahu, saying he was frustrated that Israeli operations against Hezbollah were complicating broader diplomatic efforts related to Iran.“I was a little disturbed by his continued fighting with Lebanon,” Trump said.However, the US President also stressed that his relationship with Netanyahu remains strong.Trump added, “We worked very well together. I love Bibi very much. I work with him very well.”
Common goals regarding Iran and Hezbollah
During the interview with CNBC, Netanyahu said that Washington and Tel Aviv remain committed to reducing the influence of Hezbollah, which he described as an Iranian proxy operating from Lebanon.Netanyahu said, “Hezbollah is an Iranian proxy that puts all Lebanese citizens at gunpoint and uses Lebanon as a platform to launch terrorist missiles at our cities.”He said that any long-term peace arrangement between Israel and Lebanon would require disarming Hezbollah and demilitarizing Lebanon.He said, “If we want to save Lebanon and achieve Lebanese-Israeli peace, we must disarm Hezbollah.”
Netanyahu calls Trump “Israel’s greatest friend”
Netanyahu rejected suggestions that the relationship between the two leaders had deteriorated, and praised Trump for his support for Israel.Netanyahu said in response to a question whether his relationship with Trump had changed: “No.”He added: “This was a wonderful relationship because he was the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”Netanyahu pointed to Trump’s previous decisions, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and supporting Israel on key regional issues, as examples of such support.The exchange comes amid ongoing efforts by the United States to balance military tensions in the region with diplomatic negotiations involving Iran.While Trump expressed optimism about progress in Iran-related talks and the broader regional settlement, the ongoing fighting in Lebanon has emerged as a major point of concern.Despite differences over tactics, both leaders have publicly stressed that they remain committed to shared security goals and finding a path toward regional stability.
