DID Press: Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that he was misled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into supporting military action, while asserting that his policies were crucial to Israel’s security.
Responding to a report by Axios claiming he had used the phrase “you’re a damn madman” when speaking to Netanyahu, Trump said he had been frustrated by the continuation of fighting in Lebanon.
“I did that. I always get angry,” Trump said. “I was a little upset with him for constantly fighting with Lebanon. At one point, I said that we want to stop this.”
Asked whether Netanyahu had deceived him into initiating the conflict, Trump rejected the suggestion, saying: “No. I mean, I’m the one who started this. I don’t want to bore anybody, but I started it because we cannot allow them to have nuclear weapons.”
Trump then added: “If it weren’t for me, Israel would not exist.”
The remarks come amid ongoing debate over U.S. policy toward Israel, Iran, and regional security issues in the Middle East.