Netanyahu: Trump and I don’t always see eye-to-eye; I stand up for Israel’s security interests

Taking questions from Israeli reporters in his press conference, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts that he knows how to “stand firm” against the White House on Israeli security interests, amid growing concerns over US limitations on Israeli military freedom of action against Hezbollah and Iran.

Netanyahu declines to say whether he would permit Israel to strike Iran alone or act independently against Hezbollah in Lebanon, as one reporter asks. But he insists that he defends Israel’s interests in his interactions with US President Donald Trump, following days of reported friction between the two leaders and public criticism from Trump of the premier on those issues.

Speaking about Trump, Netanyahu says, “Many times we see eye to eye, and there are also cases in which we see less eye to eye. I am responsible for Israel’s security interests. I stand up for them.”

In a likely dig at political opponents he portrays as less experienced, Netanyahu adds, “One must stand up for them not with fiery rhetoric. It must be done wisely, and that requires a great deal of experience, a great deal of wisdom, and a great deal of familiarity with the American arena. It requires a great, great deal of experience, and I think I do it in the best possible way. And when necessary, I stand firm on our security interests.”