US President Donald Trump has publicly praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a warrior prime minister even as reports suggest growing disagreements between the two leaders over Israel’s continued military operations in Lebanon, which US officials fear could jeopardize the fragile Iran ceasefire deal.
Trump made the remarks on Saturday while unveiling a replacement Air Force One aircraft gifted by Qatar near Washington. His comments came amid heightened diplomatic efforts to preserve the recently negotiated Iran ceasefire deal and prevent renewed fighting across the Middle East.
The latest Trump-Netanyahu tensions have drawn international attention after reports indicated that US intelligence officials were increasingly concerned that Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon could undermine Washington’s broader diplomatic efforts with Iran.
Trump praises Netanyahu’s leadership
Speaking to reporters, Trump highlighted the military cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem during the recent conflict with Iran.
Obviously we fought very well with Israel, and we’ve had a great relationship with Israel. We were very formidable. And Bibi (Benjamin Netanyahu), he’s a warrior prime minister, and he should be acknowledged as that. They should give him credit, Trump said.
The remarks appeared aimed at reinforcing US support for Israel despite mounting political pressure on Netanyahu at home, where calls continue for decisive military action against Hezbollah following escalating cross-border violence.
Trump says Netanyahu must be kept ‘a little bit sane’
Although Trump praised the Israeli leader, he also suggested that Washington carefully manages its relationship with Netanyahu.
In an interview with Axios, Trump described their ties as strong but requiring close oversight.
It’s good, but we have to keep him a little bit sane.
The comment has fueled further speculation about the evolving Trump-Netanyahu relationship, particularly as Israel weighs additional military operations in Lebanon.
When asked whether he could restrain Israeli military action if necessary, Trump expressed confidence in his influence over the Israeli government.
Yeah, I will be. I mean, they have a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say.
Reports of earlier disagreement
Trump’s latest comments contrast with recent reports suggesting frustration within the White House over Israel’s continued military campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah despite diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
According to multiple reports, Trump had earlier expressed anger over Israeli operations in Lebanon, believing they risked undermining the recently negotiated Iran ceasefire deal. Media reports also claimed he delivered a strongly worded message to Netanyahu during a phone conversation earlier this month.
Those reports emerged as US officials worked to preserve negotiations with Iran following months of conflict that began on February 28, when Israel and the United States launched military operations targeting Iran.
US intelligence concerned about regional stability
US intelligence assessments have reportedly warned that further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah could threaten the broader diplomatic framework established to reduce hostilities across the Middle East.
The renewed Israel-Lebanon conflict has already raised concerns among international observers that continued military operations could derail ongoing efforts to maintain the ceasefire and restart diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.
The latest developments come as ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hezbollah remain fragile following repeated exchanges of fire in southern Lebanon.