Trump: Netanyahu is a 'great leader,' without him Israel wouldn't exist

President Donald Trump said Wednesday evening, according to reports, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a 'great leader' and that had a weak prime minister led Israel, the country would not exist.

President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a 'great leader' in remarks reported Wednesday evening, stating that had Israel been led by a weak prime minister, the country would not exist. The comment extends Trump's pattern of claiming personal credit for Israel's security, though he has also recently criticized Israeli leadership. The statement comes amid ongoing US-Israel discussions on Iran policy.

3 developments

1. 17:43 · 8 JulLatest

   Trump made the remarks during his visit to Turkey.

2. 17:41 · 8 Jul

   Trump added that without Netanyahu, Israel would not exist.

3. 13:24 · 8 Jul

   Trump says he loves Netanyahu, calls him a great wartime prime minister

• Developing14:27 · 15 JulTrump says Netanyahu is 'amazing' wartime PM, claims Israel would have been destroyed without him
• Strong17:20 · 26 JulNetanyahu backs Trump, warns Iran any attack on Israel would be a 'very serious mistake'
• Strong20:35 · 20 JunTrump: Netanyahu 'a fighter,' deserves credit; shares article on uncertain re-election odds
• Developing13:26 · 16 JunTrump says ties with Netanyahu are 'excellent,' denies frustration

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