Trump sneers at protocol as Netanyahu looks onTrump’s news conference with Benjamin Netanyahu touched on Gaza, Iran’s nuclear program and tensions with SyriaBy Robert Tait / The Guardian, WashingtonHosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the fifth time since returning to the White House 11 months ago, US President Donald Trump gave a performance on Monday that provided a microcosm of his customary disdain for foreign policy protocol. Almost in passing, Trump crowed about his relationship with another hardline leader, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who long derided Netanyahu and compared him to Hitler. He said Trump was the best friend among any US presidents Israel had ever had. “We’ve never had a friend like President Trump in the White House,” Netanyahu said. “I hope he’s going to get along with Syria,” Trump said of Netanyahu.

Source: Taipei Times January 02, 2026 16:23 UTC