Trump refers to Netanyahu’s ‘love-hate relationship’ with Israeli public, claims there’s ‘a lot of jealousy about him’

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

US President Donald Trump (R) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak to journalists during a joint press conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 29, 2025. (Jim WATSON / AFP)
US President Donald Trump (R) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak to journalists during a joint press conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 29, 2025. (Jim WATSON / AFP)

An Israeli reporter tries to press US President Donald Trump on the latter’s claim that President Isaac Herzog recently told him that a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “on its way” after Herzog’s office denied having even spoken to Trump on the matter.

But the reporter stumbles in asking the question in English, leading Trump to repeat his belief that Netanyahu is “going to be in good shape.”

Many “people in the world” appreciate Israel’s military victories over the past two years.

The people of Israel “know it,” Trump insists. “That’s why they like me, and they actually like him,” he says of Netanyahu. “He’s got more of a little of a love-hate relationship than I do over there.”

“Even the haters have a lot of respect for him,” says Trump. “There’s a lot of jealousy about him.”

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.