Benjamin Netanyahu shrugged off talk of a rift with Donald Trump,even after Trump reportedly called him "f***ing crazy." Speaking to CNBC on Wednesday, Netanyahu insisted their bond is strong.
He called Trump "the greatest friend that Israel has had in White House." Facing ICC war crime charges in Gaza,Netanyahu emphasized mutual respect and shared goals .
"Sometimes, we have, as in best of families,tactical disagreements," Netanyahu said. But they "always find a way to work them out" and can argue in morning,take "common action" by afternoon.
Comments came after Trump's New York Post interview,where he admitted berating Netanyahu. Trump said he was "a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon."
Israel's attacks in Lebanon,including plans to bomb Beirut,risked derailing US-Iran talks. Tehran hinted at military response .
On Monday,Trump said he spoke to Netanyahu and a Hezbollah rep, securing hold fire agreement. Yet fighting continues in southern Lebanon.
Hundreds of thousands displaced,towns razed . But Israeli military held off on Beirut.
Despite Lebanon tensions, Trump praised Netanyahu on Wednesday,saying he "works well" with him. "I like Bibi a lot," Trump said,using Netanyahu's nickname.
Netanyahu stressed alignment with Trump on Lebanon,aiming to disarm Hezbollah. He believes Trump "understands Lebanon taken hostage by Hezbollah."
Hezbollah,Iran ally,says it's fighting against Israel's expansion aims in Lebanon. Claims right to self-defence .
Conflict spread to Lebanon after Israel and US attacked Iran without direct provocation on February 28. Hezbollah retaliated with rockets,citing Israeli ceasefire violations and Khamenei's killing.
Since war began,some Israeli politicians want to capture southern Lebanon,set settlements. In March, Defence Minister Katz outlined a plan to occupy south,prevent residents from returning.
Katz also admitted ordering "acceleration in destruction of Lebanese homes," following Gaza model. But Netanyahu said Wednesday he wants "peace" with Lebanon.
"If we want to save Lebanon and get a Lebanese-Israeli peace,as I do, we have to disarm Hezbollah,demilitarise Lebanon," the prime minister said. "I know this is goal president and I share."
Demilitarisation of Lebanon now new Israeli demand. Would block Lebanese Armed Forces from acquiring threatening weapons. Since April,talks in US have failed to secure ceasefire or stop Israel's destruction of Lebanese towns…
