Donald Trump has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “knows who the boss is,” as both leaders prepare for a possible meeting in the United States in the coming weeks.
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Speaking to Axios in a brief telephone interview, Trump said he and Netanyahu maintain a strong relationship despite recent reports of disagreements over efforts to end the conflict involving Iran. “We get along very good. Netanyahu knows who the boss is,” Trump said, referring to himself.
According to Israeli officials cited by Axios, a White House meeting could take place after Trump’s scheduled trip to Turkey for the NATO summit on July 7-8, although Netanyahu’s office has only confirmed that both leaders agreed during a recent phone call to meet “soon” in the United States.
The expected meeting comes amid reports of growing differences between Washington and Israel over regional security and diplomacy following the conflict that began earlier this year. While the United States remains Israel’s closest ally, Trump has publicly criticised some of Netanyahu’s recent decisions related to the conflict and negotiations involving Iran.
The two leaders last met in Washington on February 11. Last month, Netanyahu also called for Israel to strengthen its military independence and reduce its long-term reliance on American military assistance.
Addressing reserve officers in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu said Israel should build its own independent defence manufacturing capability and expand domestic weapons production. He acknowledged continued US support but argued that Israel should gradually reduce its dependence on foreign military aid.
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The United States has provided Israel with more than $300 billion in economic and military assistance since 1948. Under a defence assistance agreement signed in 2016, Israel receives approximately $3.8 billion annually in military aid, with the current arrangement remaining in effect until 2028.