Trump goes after Netanyahu as he pursues deal with Iran, putting their friendship to the test
Jerusalem-US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he pushes forward with efforts to finalize a deal aimed at ending the war with Iran.
Trump, who has historically described Netanyahu as a close ally, claimed credit for Israel’s existence and said in remarks that “without me, there would be no Israel,” while also criticizing Netanyahu’s recent decisions, including Israeli actions in Lebanon.
The comments mark a rare public rupture in a long-standing US-Israel relationship. Trump said he told Netanyahu he was unhappy with recent developments and urged him to act more responsibly regarding Lebanon.
The tensions come as Trump advances a diplomatic agreement with Iran expected to be signed in Geneva, with analysts saying Netanyahu’s actions could complicate Washington’s negotiating position.
According to observers, Trump appears willing to use political leverage against Netanyahu to secure a deal that would end the conflict with Iran, even if it strains bilateral ties.
The dispute also reflects broader political divisions in the United States over support for Israel, with growing criticism from both progressive and conservative circles.
While some pro-Israel groups dismissed the remarks as routine political friction, others said the public nature of Trump’s criticism was unusual and potentially damaging to diplomatic relations.
