The relationship between former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become publicly strained as Trump seeks to finalize a deal to end the war with Iran. Netanyahu, who once called Trump the "greatest friend Israel ever had in the White House," is now receiving strong public criticism from Trump.
Trump has openly criticized Netanyahu's recent actions, particularly Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which he believes threaten ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Trump has stated, "Without the U.S., there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel because no other President was willing to do what I did," and added, "I have had a great relationship with Bibi. Now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon." He has gone as far as to call Netanyahu "crazy" in interviews and private conversations, claiming credit for Israel's existence.
The tension arises as Trump pushes for a deal to end the war, which is unpopular domestically and has contributed to rising gasoline prices. An agreement is scheduled to be signed on Friday in Geneva. Trump's public rebukes of Netanyahu are unprecedented for an American leader, despite Netanyahu's history of frustrating four U.S. presidents during his tenure. This public airing of grievances differs significantly from the more circumspect criticism offered by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who aimed to avoid accusations of being anti-Israel.
Some conservative, pro-Israel advocates are divided on the seriousness of Trump's public condemnation. Mort Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, expressed concern that Trump might be criticizing Netanyahu publicly to appeal to a growing American sentiment hostile towards Israel, suggesting these comments should have remained private. Despite this, experts note that Trump's "tremendous reservoir of goodwill" on Israeli issues gives him more leeway to criticize Netanyahu than other presidents.
This dynamic highlights a shift from their previous alignment, particularly concerning the war in Iran, which Trump initially started in tandem with Netanyahu. The current divergence sees Trump aiming to disengage from the conflict due to political and economic pressures, while Netanyahu, facing a pending election and corruption charges, has continued to pursue military action.
