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Trump calls Netanyahu a ‘warrior PM,’ touts ‘great’ ties with Israel amid tensions over Iran
Trump defended the Iran memorandum of understanding and said U.S. officials rejected his account of Israel’s role in the Soleimani operation.
On Wednesday at the G7 conference, President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "warrior prime minister" while urging Israel to stop criticizing the new memorandum of understanding with Iran.
The U.S. agreed to a 60-day MoU to end the war, prompting Trump to claim Israel backed out of the 2020 operation to assassinate Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an assertion U.S. officials dispute.
Israel conducted 150 strikes in Lebanon, killing at least 47 people and wounding 97 others, while Trump advised Netanyahu to use a "softer touch" regarding Hezbollah.
Netanyahu reiterated on Friday that Israel will not withdraw troops from southern Lebanon, arguing the buffer zone remains necessary to protect citizens despite U.S. pressure to adhere to the permanent ceasefire.
U.S. intelligence agencies warned that Netanyahu may undermine the peace deal to bolster his standing before the upcoming October election, as officials fear continued military presence could trigger renewed hostilities.