Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, stated in response to reports of a verbal dispute between him and U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel is no longer as dependent on U.S. assistance as it once was.
In an interview with CNBC, Netanyahu expressed gratitude for America’s support over the years, noting that Israel is appreciative of the aid Washington has provided.
He added: “Israel is not like Afghanistan or Iraq, which require the presence of American forces to ensure their security or govern the country.”
The Israeli prime minister further stated that his country has now reached a level of economic and military capability that it no longer requires U.S. assistance.
The United States is considered one of Israel’s most important allies and supporters, having provided billions of dollars in military and financial aid over the years. According to reports, the U.S. federal government alone provided approximately $25 billion in assistance to Israel last year.
These remarks come amid recent reports of escalating tensions between Trump and Netanyahu. Axios reported that a heated exchange took place during a phone call between the two leaders.
These developments followed rising regional tensions in the wake of Israeli military strikes on Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Subsequently, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, alongside threats concerning the future of negotiations with Iran.
However, Trump later stated that he had managed to contain the situation through contacts with the parties involved and that negotiations would continue.
Netanyahu, responding to questions regarding the reported disagreement with Trump, did not confirm the details but remarked: “Even in the best of families, there are sometimes disagreements and tensions.”
He emphasized that relations between Israel and the United States remain highly significant and that cooperation between the two sides will continue.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
