Witkoff: Trump could run Israel and America at once “No disrespect to Netanyahu” / VIDEO

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on June 11 night that Donald Trump could simultaneously serve as president of the United States and prime minister of Israel, as he lauded Trump's support for the Jewish state and took a firm line against Iran.

Speaking at a fundraising gala for the emergency response group United Hatzalah in New York, Witkoff remarked: “No disrespect to Prime Minister Netanyahu, who I actually spoke to today, but I think President Trump could be the first sitting president who could be prime minister of Israel at the same time.” 

The comment, made in front of a pro-Trump crowd, was met with laughter and applause, and followed an earlier standing ovation for Trump’s mention, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

Breaking: Special Presidential Envoy @SteveWitkoff remarks on Iran as he is honored at @UnitedHatzalah gala pic.twitter.com/M05KA7645g

— Ellie Cohanim (@EllieCohanim) June 12, 2025

Witkoff, who is leading sensitive US negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, emphasised Trump’s deep ties to Israel. “He’s such a special man, he’s an incredible friend to the Jewish people,” Witkoff said. He added that Trump’s leadership has been “unwavering in defending Israel’s right to exist and thrive.”

His remarks came just hours after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on the same day survived a political threat from ultra-Orthodox parties within his ruling coalition. Those parties have warned of potentially collapsing the government over stalled legislation concerning military draft exemptions for the Haredi community.

Witkoff also focused on Iran, stating that the US and Israel must stop the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons “no matter the cost.” He declared, “A nuclear Iran represents an existential threat to Israel, as does an Iran with a large amount of missiles. That is as big an existential threat as the nuclear threat.”

He continued: “It’s an existential threat to the United States, the free world and the entire [Gulf Cooperation Council].” Witkoff urged unity and determination in ensuring that Iran “never achieves its deadly ambitions no matter what the cost,” drawing another standing ovation from the audience.

Witkoff is scheduled to meet Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on June 15 for the sixth round of nuclear talks. The talks have stalled over the key issue of uranium enrichment, with the US demanding a full halt while Tehran insists on maintaining its enrichment rights. Trump, who has expressed growing scepticism about the diplomatic effort, has warned of possible military action if no agreement is reached. Iran, in turn, has threatened to retaliate by striking US bases in the region.

A Pew Research Centre poll released Wednesday found that 69% of Israelis expressed confidence in Trump’s handling of international affairs, ranking second among 24 countries surveyed. The same poll showed a six-point rise in Israel’s overall favourable view of the US over the past year, making it one of the few countries to register such an increase.

Trump has long claimed strong support in Israel. In 2022, he posted on Truth Social that he “could easily be P.M.” of Israel, citing his popularity there and criticising American Jews for not offering similar support. In 2019, while still in office, he jokingly said, “If anything happens here, I’m taking a trip over to Israel. I’ll be prime minister.” He made the comment while admitting he didn’t fully understand Israel’s complex parliamentary system.

By Tamilla Hasanova