Netanyahu Remains Calm Despite Trump's Outburst
The relationship between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under scrutiny following reports that Trump expressed significant anger regarding the conflict in Lebanon. However, Netanyahu has remained composed in response to Trump’s outburst.
According to reports shared with Axios by US officials, Trump grew frustrated with Netanyahu following an Israeli military escalation in Lebanon. The tension reportedly surfaced during a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Monday, 1 June.
Trump’s anger reportedly stems from concerns that Israeli operations against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon could jeopardise ongoing diplomacy with Iran and undermine efforts to maintain a fragile regional ceasefire. According to the reports, Trump used harsh language, questioning Netanyahu’s actions after learning of the military operations.
Axios further reported that Trump touched upon Netanyahu’s ongoing legal challenges during the call, reminding the Israeli Prime Minister that he had openly defended him and sought to provide political support.
Netanyahu dismissed the reports of a rift during an interview with the US television channel CNBC, asserting that he and Trump are in agreement regarding the handling of the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah.
“Hezbollah is an Iranian proxy that points weapons at all Lebanese citizens and uses Lebanon as a platform to launch terror missiles at our cities and killer drones at our civilians,” Netanyahu stated, as reported by AFP. He added that to achieve peace between Lebanon and Israel, the demilitarisation of Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah are essential—a goal he believes is shared by both him and the US President.
Netanyahu noted that while they may encounter tactical differences, they always find ways to resolve them. “We have many agreements; we agree on the main issues. There are tactical differences. We always find a way to resolve them, and we do so as good friends. We can disagree in the morning, and by the afternoon, we have taken joint action,” he remarked.
When asked if his relationship with Trump had changed, Netanyahu replied, “No.” He described the relationship as “great,” adding, “He is the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House. He respects me, I respect him. We always find a way to resolve our differences.”