Israel wouldn’t exist today without me’ — Trump

United States President, Donald Trump, has claimed that Israel would not exist today without his intervention, while dismissing suggestions that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, manipulated him into confronting Iran.

Trump made the remarks during an interview on the Pod Force One podcast, where he rejected claims that he had been drawn into the conflict by Netanyahu.

“He tricked me? No. I’m the one that started it,” Trump said.

According to the US President, his actions were motivated by concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme and the potential threat it posed to Israel and regional stability.

“I started it because we can’t let them have a nuclear weapon. If there wasn’t me, there would be no Israel right now,” he stated.

The comments come amid reports of growing tensions between Trump and Netanyahu following a recent telephone conversation over Israel’s military operations in the region.

Trump also confirmed reports that he had a heated exchange with the Israeli leader, saying he became frustrated with Israel’s continued military engagements involving Lebanon.

Speaking in an interview published by the New York Post, Trump acknowledged using strong language during the conversation when asked about reports that he had sharply criticised Netanyahu.

“I did,” Trump said when asked whether he confronted the Israeli Prime Minister in blunt terms.

“I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon.”

The US President said he urged Netanyahu to de-escalate the situation.

“I said, ‘Bibi, we gotta stop this,’” Trump added.

The remarks have further highlighted the complex relationship between Trump and Netanyahu, as well as ongoing tensions surrounding Israel’s security policies, Iran’s nuclear ambitions and conflicts involving neighbouring countries in the Middle East.

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