Netanyahu ‘knows who the boss is’, says Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump asserted his dominance in the relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that the Israeli leader "knows who the boss is." Trump made these remarks in a phone interview with Axios, suggesting that Netanyahu could visit the White House as early as the upcoming week.

This potential meeting occurs against a backdrop of reported tensions between the two leaders, particularly concerning their joint efforts in the war against Iran, which commenced in late February. Despite these reported strains, Trump maintained that he and Netanyahu "get along very good."

An Israeli official, however, indicated that a visit next week might be premature, as Trump is scheduled to attend a NATO summit in Turkey from July 7-8. The official suggested the meeting could potentially take place the following week. Netanyahu's office confirmed that the two leaders spoke on Friday and agreed to meet "soon" in the United States.

Washington remains Israel's closest ally, but Trump has recently voiced public criticism of Netanyahu. These criticisms emerged after Israel's conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon threatened to derail peace talks with Iran. The last time the two leaders met was on February 11 in Washington.

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We get along very good. (Netanyahu) knows who the boss is.