Former US President Donald Trump described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a good man who gets a little excited sometimes, in comments regarding the Iran nuclear deal at the close of the G7 summit in France.
Trump's Remarks on Netanyahu
Speaking to reporters on the final day of the summit, Trump said, "He's a good man. He gets a little excited sometimes, but that's okay." The remarks came amid ongoing tensions over the Iran nuclear agreement, which Trump withdrew from in 2018 while Netanyahu strongly opposed the deal.
Context of the Comments
Trump's characterization of Netanyahu was seen as an attempt to downplay differences between the two leaders, who have had a close relationship. The G7 summit, held in Biarritz, France, focused on global issues including trade, climate change, and Iran's nuclear program.
Netanyahu had been a vocal critic of the Iran deal, which he argued was insufficient to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump's withdrawal from the accord was widely praised by Israel, but it created friction with European allies who sought to preserve the agreement.
In his comments, Trump also reiterated his stance on Iran, stating that the United States would continue to apply maximum pressure until Iran changes its behavior. He did not provide specifics on future actions.
The Israeli prime minister's office did not immediately respond to Trump's remarks. However, analysts noted that the comments reflect the personal rapport between the two leaders, even as policy differences remain.
The G7 summit concluded with a joint declaration on Iran, calling for de-escalation and dialogue. Trump's comments on Netanyahu added a personal note to an otherwise tense diplomatic gathering.
