Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu broke his silence Wednesday regarding reports of a tense phone conversation with President Donald Trump, insisting that despite occasional disagreements, the two leaders remain aligned on the most important issues, particularly Iran.
Speaking in an interview with CNBC, Netanyahu downplayed suggestions of a serious rift between Israel and Washington following reports that a heated exchange took place earlier this week over developments in Lebanon.
“President Trump and I agree on the main issues concerning Iran. Sometimes we have tactical disagreements, but we resolve them,” Netanyahu said.
The prime minister said the central question now is whether Iran intends to resume hostilities or pursue a different course, emphasizing that both Israel and the United States continue to pursue common strategic objectives.
According to him: “The question is whether Iran wants to return to another round of fighting. We’ll wait and see, as they say. The United States and we have shared goals; we will see what we can achieve through an agreement.”
Although Netanyahu was asked about the reported phone call, he stopped short of discussing its details. At the same time, he did not dispute the reports that tensions surfaced during the conversation.
Instead, Netanyahu suggested that disagreements are natural even among close allies.
“There are arguments even in good families,” he emphasized.
The Israeli leader also used the interview to take aim at European governments, accusing many of failing to stand firm against growing radical Islamist influences within their own countries.
Netanyahu argued that Israel’s military and security efforts benefit not only Israelis but also Western nations more broadly, and he criticized European leaders for what he described as a lack of resolve.
“It is shameful how European leaders surrender to radical Islamic minorities in their countries. They know that we are defending them as well, but they do not have the courage to stand with what is right – the side that will save our civilization from the barbarians.”
{Matzav.com}
