US President Donald Trump has claimed that Israel would not exist without his support, as his public disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to deepen.
Speaking at the G7 summit alongside Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Trump said, “Without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel, because no other president was willing to do what I did.” He further added, “Israel would have been blown up a long time ago, had I not gotten involved.”
Trump Urges Netanyahu To Show More Restraint
Trump’s remarks came as he called on Netanyahu to act more carefully regarding Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, warning that such moves could affect efforts to reach a peace agreement with Iran. He said he still shared a strong relationship with the Israeli leader but stressed the need for greater responsibility.
“I’ve had a great relationship with Bibi, but now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon.” Trump also spoke about Lebanon’s decline over the years, saying, “Lebanon used to be a great country. It was a country where you had professors, doctors, lawyers. The great intellect was in Lebanon. Now it’s just terrible.”
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Beirut Strike Reportedly Angered Trump
Trump’s comments followed reports that he was upset after Israel carried out strikes on Beirut ahead of a planned US-Iran agreement. Israel said the attack targeted a Hezbollah site in the Lebanese capital. According to Trump, he was surprised when advisers informed him about the strikes, especially after both sides had reportedly agreed not to attack each other.
“It is so bad – I couldn’t believe it. An hour before we are supposed to sign the deal,” he said. Trump also criticised Netanyahu’s decision-making during the dispute.
“Why did Bibi have to do a f**ing attack? I was so pssed off. I let him know. He has no f*cking judgement. I let him know that,” he told Axios.
Iran Links Deal To Israeli Withdrawal From Lebanon
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that any agreement with the United States would require Israel to withdraw from parts of Lebanon that it occupied during the conflict. “Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end,” Araghchi said.
However, a US official said the proposed agreement does not include any requirement for an Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu has also maintained that Israel will remain in Lebanon “as long as necessary”.
Tensions Continue Despite Diplomatic Efforts
The latest exchange highlights growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem at a time when diplomatic efforts are underway to secure a broader agreement involving Iran. While Trump continues to support Israel, his recent criticism of Netanyahu suggests increasing differences over the handling of regional conflicts.
First published on: Jun 17, 2026 07:16 AM IST
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