'That is crazy': CNN panel left momentarily speechless by Trump remarks about ally
Panelists on "CNN This Morning" were left momentarily speechless by President Donald Trump's assessment of his relationship with Israel.
The 80-year-old president discussed his Iran peace agreement Tuesday from the G7 summit in France, and he commented on Israeli leadership's apparent objections to the terms of the deal.
"Without the United States, there would be no Israel," Trump said. "Without me, there would be no Israel, because no other president was willing to do what I did. I had a great relationship with Bibi [Netanyahu], but now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon."
Four seconds elapsed before any of the panelists offered a reaction.
"Well, that is just," stammered State Department veteran Joel Rubin, breaking the silence. "That is crazy."
"Listen," offered Penny Nance, president and CEO of Concerned Women for America. "I had 40 Young Women for America leaders that were in Israel last week and had to gounderground because of bombingand shelling. Theyare actively in the middle of awar zone in Israel and Lebanon."
"But did they say 'thank God for Trump or?'" asked host Audie Cornish.
"But Donald Trump is notresponsible for the state of Israel's existence," Rubin interjected.
"No, but I'm just saying thatit is – absolutely, I'm justsaying that I think that Israelhas every right to protectthemselves," Nance replied, "and I would saythat we have to be very clear-eyed about the fact that what'shappening in the entire region, and if we can bring otherpartners like Syria."
"Do you think that's what Trump just said?" Cornish chuckled.
"'If it wasn't for me, there'd be no Israel,' is what he just said," Rubin argued. "That is absolutelycounterfactual. There is notruth to that. Donald Trump didnot create the state of Israel – he didn't. He joined in amilitary action alongside Israelagainst Iran, clearly. But thestate of Israel's existence isnot dependent upon the presidentof the United States. We have arelationship."
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