Netanyahu Downplays Rifts with Trump, Praises US Alliance in Fox News Interview
In a series of interviews with Fox News and other outlets, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to quash speculation of friction with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing the strength of their relationship and the broader US-Israel alliance. His remarks come amid reported disagreements over the US-Iran ceasefire memorandum and Israel's military actions in Lebanon.
Speaking on Fox and Friends on Monday, Netanyahu denied experiencing any substantial strain in his relationship with Trump, stating, "We see eye-to-eye on just about everything," and adding, "We are the best of allies." When asked about Trump's comments hinting at tension, Netanyahu deflected, saying, "The president has his way of expressing things and so do I."
In a separate Fox News interview, Netanyahu heaped praise on the United States, declaring, "America has been a tremendous force for good, and without America, there won't be any democracy in the world, and there won't be any freedom in the world." He reiterated that he and Trump see eye to eye on "just about everything" and described the two countries as "model allies."
Netanyahu acknowledged that occasional disagreements arise, but framed them as natural between close partners. "Yes, we had the occasional disagreements. Look, he's the president of the United States. He does what is good for the United States. I'm the prime minister of Israel. I do what is important, what is good for Israel, and most of the time these things are identical," he said on CNN, as reported by TASS. He added, "On the big things we see eye to eye, and occasionally we don't, but we're true allies."
Netanyahu also asserted that the US has no greater ally than Israel, and vice versa, claiming an "excellent relationship" with Trump despite their differences. He insisted that those differences do not extend to Iran policy, telling Fox that both countries are committed to dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities and removing enriched material. He further claimed that after Israel's Operation Roaring Lion and the US's Operation Epic Fury, Trump believes shared goals can be achieved through negotiation and pressure on Tehran. Netanyahu reiterated that regardless of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, Iran will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons while he remains prime minister.
The interviews come amid criticism from some members of the Israeli cabinet regarding the US-Iran memorandum, which calls for a regional ceasefire, including in Lebanon. Israel has refused to withdraw from Lebanon, maintaining its right to strike in response to "threats." An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Monday killed four civilians, including a teacher, according to reports.
Netanyahu also confirmed he will soon visit the US again, though no date has been set. During the visit, he plans to lobby against the transfer of F-35 jets to Turkey, arguing that providing Ankara with the aircraft or their engines "will upset the power balance" in the region.