US President Donald Trump has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “knows who the boss is” in their relationship, underscoring the dynamics between the two long-time allies.
Trump made the remark during a brief phone interview with Axios, ahead of Netanyahu’s expected visit to the White House as early as next week.
“We have a very good relationship. He knows who the boss is,” Trump said, referring to himself.
An Israeli official, however, noted that the visit may be delayed as Trump is scheduled to attend a NATO summit in Istanbul on July 7 and 8.
The official added that the meeting could instead take place the following week.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that both leaders held a phone call on Friday and agreed to meet in the near future in the United States.
While Washington remains Israel’s closest ally, Trump has recently voiced public criticism of Netanyahu, particularly over the Gaza conflict and regional tensions involving Iran.
The two leaders last met in Washington on February 11.
