President Donald Trump praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war hero” during a radio interview on Tuesday evening, while also describing himself in the same terms during a discussion on Middle East policy.
Speaking with conservative host Mark Levin, Trump voiced strong support for Netanyahu’s efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He called Netanyahu “a good man who is fighting for his country,” despite the Israeli leader facing war crimes charges from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged crimes during the Gaza conflict.
Trump also applied the “war hero” label to himself, citing his June decision to authorize airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. He argued that his actions helped reduce global tensions but said he has not received enough credit for them.
The close political relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has been longstanding. Netanyahu previously called Trump “Israel’s greatest friend” and nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024.
However, Trump’s comments sparked criticism. Former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, called the remarks inappropriate given Trump never served in combat. Trump avoided military service during the Vietnam War through college and medical deferments and once criticized Senator John McCain for being captured as a prisoner of war.
The Gaza conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza have led to thousands of civilian casualties, according to health authorities.
Trump and Natenyahu are now working together on negotiations with hamas to secure the release of the remaining hostages.