Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once hailed President Donald Trump as Israel’s strongest ally in the White House. Now, as Trump moves towards a deal to end the conflict with Iran, his criticism of Netanyahu is unusually blunt.
Trump asserted his role in Israel’s existence, claiming, “without me, there would be no Israel.” He also criticized Netanyahu’s judgment, describing him in harsh terms. Throughout Netanyahu’s tenure, spanning four U.S. presidents, frustration has been mutual. But no president has expressed it as candidly as Trump.
Conflict has emerged as Trump criticizes Israeli actions in Lebanon, which could endanger negotiations with Tehran. On the domestic front, Trump’s motivation for the deal includes addressing political discontent over the unpopular war and rising gas prices.
“If Netanyahu gets in between something Trump really wants, and that’s out of this war, he’s prepared to use the leverage that he has,” said Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East advisor to past U.S. administrations.
A significant agreement is set to be signed at the Burgenstock resort near Luzern on Friday. Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s recent actions. He reiterated his stance, emphasizing that no other president has matched his efforts for Israel, citing moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and retrieving hostages.
Bipartisan support for Israel has weakened in Washington. Liberals criticize its treatment of Palestinians, while some conservatives question the depth of U.S. allegiance. Trump’s remarks stirred disapproval from left-leaning groups, framing Israel’s existence as dependent on him was deemed offensive by many, including Halie Soifer of the Jewish Democratic Council of America.
President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris have expressed disagreements with Netanyahu, particularly over the Gaza conflict. However, they maintain a more cautious approach to avoid allegations of anti-Israel bias.
Responses from conservative, pro-Israel groups vary. Matt Brooks, leader of the Republican Jewish Coalition, views Trump’s criticism as a family dispute. He dismissed apparent muted criticism from Trump’s party as a mix-up, citing Trump’s enduring support for Israel.
Pro-Israel advocate Mort Klein expressed concern over Trump’s public criticism. He noted Trump’s past admiration for leaders in Turkey, North Korea, and China, suggesting his comments might appeal to Israel critics amid changing American sentiments towards Israel.
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