Trump and Netanyahu relationship strained over Iran war strategy
20 reported3 unconfirmed
According to a single-source NPR report, U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have a long history of working together but are currently under strain amid the ongoing war in Iran. The two leaders closely coordinated the launch of the war on Iran three months ago, but now disagree on whether to keep up military pressure or seek a diplomatic solution. The latest friction was triggered by Israel launching a major offensive in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah in response to incoming fire. Netanyahu told Israeli troops to keep going and later stated Israel would carry out airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Iran then said it would stop indirect negotiations with the U.S. because of the Israeli operation, prompting Trump to call Netanyahu. Trump publicly said the call was productive and that he told Netanyahu not to hit Beirut. Israel’s media and many politicians criticized Netanyahu, calling him a puppet too weak to stand up to Trump. Netanyahu appears to have backed away from attacking Beirut for now, but Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon today.
What’s reported
Trump and Netanyahu have a long history of working together but have had sharp disagreements.
The two leaders closely coordinated the launch of the war on Iran three months ago.
Israel launched a major offensive in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah in response to incoming fire.
Netanyahu went to Israel’s northern border last Friday and told troops to keep going.
On Monday, Netanyahu put out a statement saying Israel would carry out airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Lebanese citizens fled, creating massive traffic jams.
Iran said it would stop indirect negotiations with the U.S. because of the Israeli operation.
Trump called Netanyahu yesterday; Trump said the call was productive and that he told Netanyahu not to hit Beirut.
Aaron David Miller, who has advised Democratic and Republican presidents on the Middle East, said Trump is defending Netanyahu publicly but private messaging is different.
Miller stated: “The subtext here is, look what you got me into. You persuaded me that at a minimum, the conditions for regime change would be laid as a consequence of what I’ve done. Trump has to be beside himself with frustration and hot anger.”
Miller pointed to past Trump statements about Netanyahu, such as declaring the prime minister will “do whatever I want him to do.”
Israel’s media and many politicians savaged Netanyahu, calling him a puppet too weak to stand up to Trump.
Columnist Ben Caspit of Maariv wrote: “The truth needs to be said. Israeli policy is dictated by Trump’s social media posts.”
Netanyahu appears to have backed away from attacking Beirut for now, but Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon today.
The two sides appeared relatively close to agreeing on some framework for a deal with Iran, but renewed fighting in Lebanon has complicated talks.
Trump wants a deal; Israel wants to weaken Hezbollah.
Both leaders began the war wanting Iran’s Islamic government toppled and its nuclear program dismantled.
Trump is now focused on a deal that would leave the regime in place; Netanyahu wants to keep up military pressure.
Iran has learned it can use the Lebanon war as a wedge to divide Trump and Netanyahu.
Aaron David Miller told NPR that Trump has made clear he will press Netanyahu if it means reaching a deal.
Open questions
Whether the U.S.-Iran negotiations will resume or remain stalled.
Whether Netanyahu will continue to back away from attacking Beirut.
What specific terms a potential U.S.-Iran deal would include.
Key figures
President Trump (U.S. President)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Israeli Prime Minister)
Aaron David Miller (advisor to Democratic and Republican presidents on the Middle East)
Ben Caspit (columnist with Maariv newspaper)
Franco Ordoñez (NPR correspondent in Washington)
Greg Myre (NPR correspondent in Tel Aviv)
Scott Detrow (NPR host)
Sources: NPR
