TEL AVIV, June 22 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back against suggestions that either he or U.S. President Donald Trump takes instructions from the other, following remarks by the American leader implying that Israel follows his direction in the Middle East.
Speaking at the Jerusalem News Syndicate International Policy Summit 2026, Netanyahu stressed the independence of both nations and their leaders.
“President Donald Trump does not do everything I want, nor do I do everything he wants. We are leaders of independent and proud countries; sometimes we don’t see eye to eye,” Netanyahu said.
The prime minister emphasized that both leaders are guided by their national interests despite occasional disagreements.
“We stand for our interests. I stand for the interests of Israel and for its security. And often we see eye to eye. Sometimes we don’t. But we respect each other’s sovereignty, leadership, and commitment to our people,” he said.
In an interview with Axios last Friday, Trump was asked whether he could persuade Israel to halt military strikes in Lebanon. The president responded, “Yeah, I will be. I mean, they have a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say.”
While describing his relationship with Netanyahu as “good,” Trump said he occasionally has to “keep him a little bit sane” and argued that Israel would “not exist” without American support.
The exchange comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. Trump has warned that continued operations could jeopardize the memorandum of understanding reached with Iran last week after extensive diplomatic negotiations.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance has also recently criticized members of the Israeli Cabinet who have publicly opposed the agreement. Vance argued that criticizing Israel’s “only powerful ally” is unwise, particularly following the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began on Feb. 28.
Netanyahu’s government is also facing increasing domestic pressure. Recent polling conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Agam Institute found that a majority of Israelis believe Iran emerged from the conflict and the subsequent U.S.-brokered agreement in a stronger position.
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