‘Don’t follow Trump’s words’, Netanyahu is reluctant to withdraw troops from Lebanon! Cleft in the open?

US President Donald Trump’s claim was completely dismissed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking at an event held in Jerusalem on Sunday, he said, “People think I do what the US president says, but this is not true.” Trump said last Friday, “Netanyahu respects me. He listens to what I say.” Netanyahu opened his mouth on this issue after Trump’s demand. Not only that, he also made it clear that Israel will not withdraw its troops from Lebanon.

While not directly opposing Trump, Trump said while speaking at the conference in Jerusalem, “People in America think that President Trump does what I say. On the other hand, some people in Israel think that I follow Trump’s words. But there are two misconceptions.” Then Netanyahu said, “Israel and America are close friends. But both have their own interests, we don’t agree on everything.” After that, the Prime Minister of Israel clarified his position regarding the tensions in the Middle East, “Israel will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. My government is not willing to make any compromises on this matter. Also, the Israeli army will remain in southern Lebanon as long as necessary.” There is no question of withdrawing troops from Lebanon under any pressure.

“As long as necessary, Israel’s army will remain in southern Lebanon”, Netanyahu’s clear message.

The MoU was signed on 14 conditions aimed at Iran-US peace. Among them, the war must stop in the rest of the Middle East, including Iran and Lebanon. Israel and America will guarantee that there will be no new war. However, Israel is constantly attacking South Lebanon by making that condition flammable. Trump criticized Netanyahu in a somewhat harsh tone in this incident. He gave a message to be more responsible on the Lebanon issue.

Then last Friday, Trump was asked by a press whether he has the power to prevent Israel from attacking Lebanon. In response, Trump said that he has the power to influence Israel’s military actions. In the words of the US president, “Yes, I have that power. He respects me and listens to what I say.” Claiming his relationship with Netanyahu to be very good, Trump added, “Without my support, Israel would not exist.”