Netanyahu downplays US-Israel rift after Trump confirms criticism

Key points

• US president acknowledges he had harsh words for Netanyahu over Lebanon attacks but says he ‘likes’ the Israeli leader.
• Benjamin Netanyahu has played down reports of a rift with Donald Trump after the United States president confirmed that he recently called the Israeli prime minister “f****ing crazy”.
• Asked during an interview with CNBC on Wednesday, Netanyahu rejected the idea his ties with Trump have shifted: “No, this has been this has been a great relationship because he’s been the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House.” Netanyahu — who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crime charges in Gaza — added that the two leaders have mutual respect for each other.
• “We have common goals.
• Sometimes, we have, as in the best of families, you have these tactical disagreements,” he said.