Israel would have been crushed without US support: Trump

US President Donald Trump has said that Israel could not have survived in the Middle East without US military and strategic support. He claimed that without Washington's support, Israel would have been 'crushed'. He made these remarks while talking about US-Israeli relations on Friday (June 19).

According to the Press TV report, the US president also commented that the role of the US behind Israel's security and defense capabilities is very important. He said, 'If it were not for my intervention, Israel would have been crushed. Washington provides Israel with advanced weapons systems, the Iron Dome air defense network and important military equipment, including B-2 bombers.'

Trump also described his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as positive and acknowledged Washington's influence in Israeli decision-making. He also said that Netanyahu has worked well with him.

The US president claimed that Israel highly respects him and listens to his advice. The US president's comments came at a time when Israel is continuing its military campaign in Lebanon despite US efforts to broker a ceasefire.

Earlier this month, Trump said he had spoken to Netanyahu in a harsh phone call over Israel's continued attacks in Lebanon. The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was due to take effect at 4pm local time on Friday, but fresh Israeli airstrikes were reported in southern Lebanon at the same time.

At least 47 people, including women and children, were killed in Israeli strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon on Friday, according to various reports. Meanwhile, the memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon. However, Israel, which is outside the peace talks, has distanced itself from the agreement and has continued to attack residential areas in southern and eastern Lebanon.