Trump to Netanyahu: ‘There Would Be No Israel Without Me’

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday intensified his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that “there would be no Israel” without American support and his own leadership, as tensions grow over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.

Speaking at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, Trump suggested that Israel’s actions risk undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending months of conflict across the region.

“Without the US, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel because no other president was willing to do what I did. I have had a great relationship with Bibi. Now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon,” Trump said.

The comments marked some of the strongest public criticism Trump has directed at Netanyahu since returning to the White House.

The disagreement comes at a sensitive moment. Washington recently announced a preliminary agreement with Iran designed to extend a ceasefire and lay the groundwork for broader negotiations on regional security, sanctions and Tehran’s nuclear programme.

However, Israel has continued military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon despite the diplomatic progress.

Lebanon Strikes Spark Tensions Between Allies

Trump’s frustration reportedly escalated after an Israeli airstrike targeted a suburb of Beirut on Sunday.

The strike took place on the same day Trump announced that a new agreement with Iran would be signed electronically.

According to the Israeli military, the operation came in response to Hezbollah firing three projectiles into northern Israel.

Netanyahu defended Israel’s position and made clear that his government would continue military operations in Lebanon.

“The struggle has not ended,” Netanyahu said on Monday.

“I want to make clear: We will remain in the security zones as long as required in order to defend our country.”

The remarks highlighted a growing gap between Washington’s diplomatic approach and Israel’s security strategy.

Trump: “Without me, there would be no Israel … I’ve had a great relationship with Bibi, but now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon … I’m not happy with the way Israel has handled themselves with Lebanon and Hezbollah.” pic.twitter.com/xvLlEhYqWj

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 16, 2026

Trump later expressed his anger during an interview with Axios.

“Why did Bibi have to do a f—ing attack?” Trump said.

“I was so p—ed off. I let him know. He has no f—ing judgment. I let him know that.”

The unusually blunt language underscored the strain between the two longtime political allies.

Peace Efforts Face Fresh Challenges

The dispute comes as negotiators work to transform the recently announced US-Iran framework into a broader and more durable agreement.

The proposed deal includes extending the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching further discussions on Iran’s nuclear activities.

Regional diplomats view the agreement as the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict began earlier this year.

Yet Lebanon remains one of the biggest obstacles.

Iran has insisted that any long-term settlement must include a halt to hostilities involving Hezbollah, while Israeli officials continue to argue that military pressure remains necessary to protect national security.

Analysts say Trump’s latest comments reflect growing concern within the White House that continued military escalation could jeopardise a fragile diplomatic opening.

Despite the public disagreement, US officials stressed that Washington remains committed to Israel’s security while pursuing a broader regional peace framework.

For now, attention has shifted to upcoming negotiations and whether the ceasefire can survive amid continuing tensions on Israel’s northern border.