United States President Donald Trump has asserted that without America, Israel would not exist. Trump made this statement on Tuesday, June 16 while addressing reporters at the G7 summit in France. He emphasized that the United States has been crucial to Israel's survival and criticized the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, blaming it for the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Trump's remarks on US-Israel relations
According to Trump, the United States has maintained a highly effective relationship with Israel. However, he noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must exercise greater responsibility concerning Lebanon. "We've had a very effective relationship. Without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel, because no other president was willing to do what I did," he said.
Criticism of Iran nuclear deal
Trump also took aim at the Iran nuclear deal negotiated under President Barack Obama, asserting that it has contributed to the current instability in the Middle East. He argued that his administration's policies have been more supportive of Israel than those of his predecessors.
Comments on Lebanon and Hezbollah
In his address, Trump reflected on Lebanon's past, describing it as a great country with professors, doctors, and lawyers. He pointed to Hezbollah as Lebanon's primary problem and reiterated that among all nations, Lebanon has been treated the worst. "The great intellect was in Lebanon. Now it's just... it's terrible. They can't defend themselves," Trump stated.
