Trump voices frustration with Netanyahu ahead of meeting
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Donald Trump publicly voiced frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's alleged attempts to pressure him regarding Iran.
- Trump stated he did not need Netanyahu to inform him about Iran's nuclear facilities, claiming he already knew and had previously targeted related sites.
- The comments emerged before a meeting between the two leaders, amidst declining public support for Israel in the US and strained US-Iran relations.
Donald Trump has publicly aired his frustrations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, revealing a rift between the leaders just before a planned meeting. Trump expressed annoyance that Netanyahu allegedly sought to pressure him into continuing attacks on Iran.
I don't need Bibi [Netanyahu] to tell me that. Bibi is telling me that because he wants me to stay involved.
During a Fox News interview, Trump stated he did not require Netanyahu to inform him about Iran's nuclear facilities, asserting his own awareness and past actions against such sites. "I know exactly what's going on at Pickaxe. It's not a big problem. We took out their nuclear sites, and we'll have to take Pickaxe if we don't make a deal," Trump said, questioning why Netanyahu would "announce" information rather than directly communicate it.
I know exactly what's going on at Pickaxe. It's not a big problem. We took out their nuclear sites, and we'll have to take Pickaxe if we don't make a deal.
The friction surfaces as public support for Israel reportedly declines in the US, with recent polls showing a unfavorable view of Netanyahu among a significant portion of respondents. This tension follows earlier reports of Trump calling Netanyahu "f***ing crazy" over actions in Lebanon and a preliminary ceasefire deal between the US and Iran that was quickly undermined by hostilities. Trump acknowledged a "little difference" in their approaches but maintained they were "pretty close."
Why didn't you just tell it to me? Why do you have to announce it to the world?
Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.