Washington DC, June 19 -- US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) claimed that he would be able to prevent Israel from carrying out strikes on Lebanon, asserting that Israeli leadership acts on his directions due to what he described as strong mutual respect.

During an interview on The Axios Show, when asked whether he could influence Israeli military actions in the region, particularly regarding potential strikes on Lebanon, Trump said that he would be able to exercise control over such decisions.

"Yeah, I will be. I mean, they have a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say," Trump said.

Trump also referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he maintains a strong but closely managed relationship with him...