Trump: Israel Would Have Been Crushed Without My Intervention

ARK News.. U.S. President Donald Trump said his intervention prevented Israel from suffering a major defeat, while emphasizing that he maintains a good relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking to Axios on Friday, June 19, 2026, Trump stated, “Israel would have been crushed without my intervention,” adding that although his relationship with Netanyahu is good, he believes there is a need to exercise a degree of restraint over the Israeli leader’s decisions.

Trump also said he is capable of preventing Israel from launching an attack on Lebanon, asserting that “the Israelis respect me and do what I say.”

Earlier on Friday, the Israeli army announced the deaths of four military personnel, including the commander of the 52nd Battalion of the elite Givati Brigade. Israeli media also reported that 17 Israeli soldiers were wounded during clashes in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military carried out an airstrike on the town of Toul in the Nabatiyeh district of southern Lebanon.

Media reports indicated that Israel launched intensive airstrikes and artillery bombardments targeting Nabatieh and surrounding villages, resulting in the deaths of 16 people.

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