Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that Israel follows his instructions, saying both leaders represent 'independent and proud countries' that 'stand for our interests'.
Netanyahu made the comments on Sunday in response to Trump's remarks on Friday, in which he said Israel 'does as I say' when asked whether he could influence Israel and stop it from carrying out further strikes on Lebanon.
Netanyahu said suggestions that either leader acts on the instructions of the other are 'not true', and that both leaders act in line with the interests of their own nations.
He added that although they do not always agree on every issue, they respect each other's 'sovereignty and leadership', and that 'we're leaders of independent and proud countries. We stand for our interests.'
The comments come amid growing tensions between Israel and the US over the Iran deal, with US Vice President JD Vance warning Israeli figures against distancing themselves from their 'only powerful ally'.
