Netanyahu praises US backing for deadly Jenin attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded security ties with the US and American backing for a deadly attack by Israel's army on Jenin that has been widely condemned by the international community.

"America has provided Israel with moral and political backing against those who would wipe us out, the only Jewish state," he said. "Security cooperation [with the US] has never been better, intelligence sharing has never been deeper."

Israel launched the attack on Monday, the day before the US independence day holiday. In a statement earlier today, the US said it supported "Israel's security and right to defend its people".

Later, the State Department said it was "imperative" to take all possible precautions to prevent the killing of civilians.Netanyahu's comments come amid signs of strain in the US-Israel relationship. The US mainly spoken out about Netanyahu's plans to overhaul the country's judicial system.

Netanyahu has yet to secure a visit to the White House, although Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to visit during a trip to the US this month. The Biden administration also snubbed National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, two far right members of Netanyahu's coalition.