Trump says Israel would have been 'crushed' without US support

Key facts

• Donald Trump stated Israel would have been "crushed" without U.S. support and intervention.
• He emphasized the importance of U.S. provision of advanced weapons, Iron Dome, and B-2 bombers.
• Trump claimed he could influence Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and prevent attacks in Lebanon.
• US Vice President's deputy JD Vance warned Israel against opposing Trump's Iran deal, linking it to military support.
• Reports indicated US intelligence agencies believed Netanyahu might undermine Trump's peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump asserted that Israel's security and regional standing are critically dependent on American support, stating that without his intervention, the country would have been "crushed." He highlighted the provision of advanced weaponry, including the Iron Dome and B-2 bombers, as vital U.S. contributions.

Trump also commented on his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing it as positive but suggesting he needs to keep Netanyahu "sensible" or "reasonable." He claimed that due to the respect Israel holds for him, he could influence their decision-making, including preventing attacks in Lebanon.

Further underscoring this dynamic, JD Vance, the deputy to the US Vice President, issued a warning to Israeli government members who criticized Trump's memorandum of understanding with Iran. Vance emphasized Trump as Israel's "only remaining ally" and implied that undermining the Iran deal could jeopardize American military support.

Reports from US intelligence agencies suggested that Netanyahu might attempt to undermine Trump's peace efforts. This comes amidst ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement. Trump stated he had spoken with Israel to request a halt to these attacks.