Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back Sunday against claims of a growing rupture with President Donald Trump, while at the same time delivering a series of carefully worded reminders that Jerusalem has its own interests, and other friends around the world.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu insisted that the U.S.-Israel relationship remained exceptionally strong and said the two countries continue to share the same fundamental objectives against Iran.
“I don’t think there is a rift,” Netanyahu said, stressing that Israeli and American soldiers have fought “shoulder to shoulder” and describing Israel as perhaps America’s closest ally.
But he also drew a clear line between the two leaders’ responsibilities.
“President Trump is the leader of the United States, and he does what is good for America,” Netanyahu said. “I am the leader of Israel, and I do what is good for Israel.”
The remark came amid mounting reports of disagreements between Jerusalem and Washington over the future of Iran, the Trump administration’s diplomatic strategy and comments by senior American officials about Israel’s dependence on the United States.
‘With a Deal or Without a Deal’
Netanyahu said Israel and the United States still share the same core objectives regarding Tehran: preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon, removing enriched material from the country and dismantling enrichment facilities.
According to Netanyahu, Trump believes the devastating U.S.-Israeli blows against Iran have created enough pressure and diplomatic space to secure those goals through negotiations.
Israel, he said, respects that approach.
“I hope he succeeds,” Netanyahu said.
Then came the warning.
“With a deal or without a deal, as long as I am prime minister of Israel, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.”
The statement amounted to a clear declaration that Israel does not consider itself bound to the success or failure of Washington’s negotiations with Tehran.
Netanyahu Responds to Vance
The prime minister was also asked about recent remarks by Vice President JD Vance, who suggested that Netanyahu’s coalition should remember who its only friends in the world are.
Netanyahu answered diplomatically, but did not accept the premise.
“First of all, I respect JD Vance,” he said. “We have a very good relationship, but that doesn’t mean I agree with everything he says.”
Netanyahu then went out of his way to praise Trump personally, calling him the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.
But immediately afterward, the Israeli leader added a pointed qualification.
“Secondly, we have other friends too,” Netanyahu said.
He singled out India.
“For example, a small country called India, you know, with 1.4 billion people, and there we have tremendous support,” Netanyahu said, adding that his Facebook page is flooded with messages of backing from Indians.
“We have many other countries like that.”
The comment appeared to serve as a subtle response to the idea that Israel is diplomatically isolated and entirely dependent on Washington.
Netanyahu Rejects Talk of a Break With Trump
Throughout the interview, Netanyahu repeatedly dismissed claims of a personal break with Trump.
“In 99% of cases, we see eye to eye,” he said. “But as in every family, and as in every close friendship, sometimes there are disagreements, and we discuss them openly.”
Netanyahu described Trump as a leader who acts for American interests and himself as a leader obligated to protect Israeli interests — a formulation that appeared designed both to reassure Washington and preserve Israel’s freedom of action.
The interview comes against the backdrop of reports that Netanyahu could soon meet Trump at the White House.
Trump reportedly said Saturday that Netanyahu had requested such a meeting and suggested it could take place as early as next week, after the president returns from the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7-8.
Trump also publicly insisted that his relationship with Netanyahu remained good, but reportedly added the striking line: “Netanyahu knows who the boss is.”
Warning Over the ‘Mamdani’ Left
Netanyahu also addressed the rise of candidates associated with the political wave represented by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The Israeli leader argued that growing hostility toward Israel is linked to a broader anti-American ideological movement.
“I think it is clear that there is currently an anti-Israel wave and also an anti-American wave,” Netanyahu said. “I think the two are connected.”
According to Netanyahu, the same political forces attacking Israel are also challenging American power abroad and free-market capitalism at home.
He warned that people who “should know better” are being swept up by what he described as irrational protests and a “toxic ideology.”
Netanyahu argued that the trend will ultimately burn itself out.
“America can try,” he said. “Just try socialism.”
Israel, he added, had already experimented with heavily socialist economics before moving toward a freer market.
“It didn’t really work,” Netanyahu said. “So I decided to move to a free market. That worked much better.”
