WASHINGTON, June 20 — The US has significant influence over Israel, according to President Donald Trump, who said he sometimes has to keep Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “a little bit sane” amid ongoing disagreements over the Middle East conflict. Trump emphasized that his administration’s policies have played a “key role” in Israel’s security, and that Washington remains a key player in the region, especially in the conflict involving Iran and its allies.
The US-Israel alliance is strong, but also essentially under American control, thanks to the support of the US military and diplomatic arsenal. This was evident in Trump’s comments, made public on Friday on The Axios Show, where he noted that Israel has reaped significant benefits from US support.
A controversial memorandum of understanding with Iran has been advanced by the Trump administration in a move to defuse tensions and end the conflict on multiple fronts in the region. The agreement calls for “cessation of hostilities” across various conflict areas, and Iran has apparently threatened to stop fighting with Hezbollah in exchange for its involvement in peace talks. The Trump administration has been pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with Vice President JD Vance’s trip to the region being pushed back while diplomacy continues behind the scenes.
Trump’s comments suggest that he is confident in his ability to influence Israel’s actions, including convincing them not to take steps that could threaten the fragile deal, such as a possible military strike against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The administration’s efforts to advance the memorandum of understanding with Iran have been controversial, and Trump’s comments have highlighted the complexities of the US-Israel relationship.
As the situation continues to unfold, the US will balance its support for Israel with its efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and Iran’s response to the US’s diplomatic efforts will be notable.
