Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to ease concerns over his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying the two leaders remain aligned on their broader goals despite differences over how the conflict with Iran should be handled.
In an interview with CNBC’s Sara Eisen in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Netanyahu acknowledged that he and Trump have “tactical disagreements” but said they “agree on many things.” His comments followed reports of a tense phone call between the two leaders over Israel’s continued military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon as Washington pursues negotiations with Tehran.
Netanyahu said he speaks with Trump “once every two days” and described him as the “greatest friend to Israel.” He pointed to decisions made during Trump’s first term, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the relocation of the U.S. embassy, and the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
The conflict has entered its fourth month and has intensified concerns over global energy supplies. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil exports, has been severely disrupted, pushing crude prices close to $100 a barrel. Netanyahu said alternative routes were already being developed to offset the shortfall.
“That’s what’s happening now. It’s going to happen, it’s already happening now,” he said.
Netanyahu also defended Israel’s economic outlook, arguing that the country remains attractive to investors despite the pressure created by prolonged conflict.
The Bank of Israel expects the economy to expand by 3.8% in 2026, while the shekel and Tel Aviv share indices have shown resilience.
“Buy anything in Israel, because Israel is going up,” he said.
The Israeli leader also criticised international coverage of the war, accusing parts of the media and social media platforms of spreading “horrendously unfair and fraudulent lies.”
He predicted that Iran’s leadership would eventually fall, although he acknowledged that the timing was impossible to forecast. Netanyahu said Israel should support Iranians seeking political change, but added that any transition would unfold on its own timetable.