United States President Donald Trump has said Israel would not exist without the support of the United States, describing Washington as indispensable to the country’s survival.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday during the G7 summit in France, Trump also criticised the Iran nuclear deal reached under former President Barack Obama, blaming it for the current crisis in the Middle East.

“We’ve had a very effective relationship. Without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel, because no other president was willing to do what I did,” Trump said.

The US president, however, stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must exercise greater responsibility in dealing with the situation in Lebanon.

Commenting on Lebanon, Trump described the country as one that was once known for its professionals and intellectuals but said it has suffered because of the presence of Hezbollah.

“Lebanon used to be a great country with professors, doctors and lawyers. It has Hezbollah, which is its problem,” he said.

Trump added that Lebanon has been among the countries most adversely affected by instability in the region.