Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed reports of a rift with President Donald Trump, stating their relationship "couldn't be better" despite some foreign policy disagreements. In an interview on Newsmax's "The Record With Greta Van Susteren," Netanyahu emphasized that their close relationship allows for candid discussions, including on contentious issues. He referred to Trump's own description of their relationship, noting that friends can have both agreements and disagreements.
One specific disagreement mentioned involves the Trump administration's consideration of selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Netanyahu expressed concerns regarding this potential sale and stated that he has communicated these concerns directly to Trump in private conversations. He characterized the disagreements as evidence of a resilient alliance rather than a strained one, asserting that both Israel and the U.S. are democratic societies where political disagreements can occur without undermining their partnership.
Netanyahu contrasted the democratic nature of Israel and the U.S. with authoritarian regimes, arguing that open political debate is a hallmark of free countries. He expressed gratitude for the alliance between the two nations, highlighting the importance of maintaining freedom and discourse.