President Donald Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "knows who the boss is" ahead of their anticipated meeting in Washington, D.C. Trump indicated to Axios on Saturday that Netanyahu's visit could occur as early as the following week, emphasizing that the relationship between the two leaders remains strong.
"We get along very good," the president remarked. The meeting is expected to take place after Trump's return from the NATO summit in Turkey, scheduled for July 7-8. Israeli officials, however, anticipate the meeting will occur the week after.
Following a phone call on Friday, the leaders agreed to meet in the "near future," according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's office. The statement also noted, "The Prime Minister said in the conversation that the US is a guarantor of global freedom, and Israel highly appreciates the close bond between the two nations."
This upcoming engagement will mark Netanyahu's first meeting with Trump since February, when the Prime Minister advocated for military action against Iran. Despite Trump's assertion of a "very good relationship," recent months have seen increased tensions, particularly concerning the Iran nuclear deal and Israel's actions during its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Trump had previously criticized Netanyahu, referring to him as "f king crazy" for attacks in Lebanon on June 1. Trump confirmed to The Post that he had questioned the Israeli Prime Minister over airstrikes in Beirut, stating, "You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this."
On June 26, Israel and Lebanon signed a tripartite agreement with the U.S., outlining a phased Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon. Under this agreement, the Lebanese Armed Forces would assume control of areas currently occupied by the Israel Defense Forces, and Hezbollah would be demilitarized.
Vice President JD Vance also criticized members of Netanyahu's coalition for their opposition to the emerging Iran deal during a press conference on June 18. Vance stated, "Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time, and he happens to be the head of state of the world’s superpower."
He added, "The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump, and anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the president of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in."