Likud Minister Ze'ev Elkin responded Monday morning to President Trump's recent criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying whoever attacks Israel's premier attacks the state itself. Elkin stated that if Israel must choose between maintaining its security red lines and absorbing criticism from an American president, absorbing criticism is preferable, according to his statement posted on social media.
Minister Ze'ev Elkin issued a sharp statement Monday morning defending Prime Minister Netanyahu against recent criticism by US President Donald Trump. Elkin, a veteran Likud minister, framed Trump's remarks as an attack on the entire state, not merely on its premier. He argued that Israel's security red lines must take precedence over avoiding friction with Washington. The remarks come amid growing public tension between the Israeli government and the Trump administration over the scope of Israeli military operations. As The Zioneer previously reported, a senior Israeli official described a recent Trump social media post as a 'resounding slap in the face' that restricts operations in Lebanon (June 14, 20:06 Jerusalem). Elkin's statement is the most direct on-record defense of Netanyahu by a cabinet minister since the public rift emerged.
- DevelopingCommentator: Netanyahu stood firm against Trump, putting Israel's security first
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- DevelopingReservist Brig. Gen. Solomon: Netanyahu is already planning his next step after Iran response
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