Trump Turns on Netanyahu as He Pushes for Iran Deal, Testing Their Once-Close Alliance

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while seeking to finalize a deal aimed at ending the conflict with Iran, putting their long-standing political relationship under strain. Despite Netanyahu previously calling Trump Israel’s “greatest friend” in the White House, Trump has recently claimed that “without me, there would be no Israel,” questioned Netanyahu’s judgment, and even described him as “crazy.”

The growing tension comes as Trump expresses frustration over Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, warning that they could undermine negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Trump said he had told Netanyahu that he was unhappy with Israel’s recent conduct and urged him to act more responsibly regarding Lebanon.

Analysts say Trump’s tougher stance reflects his determination to secure an agreement with Iran and end a conflict that has become politically costly at home due to public opposition and rising fuel prices. Former U.S. adviser Aaron David Miller said Trump appears willing to use his influence over Netanyahu if the Israeli leader stands in the way of his diplomatic objectives.

Although Netanyahu has had disagreements with several U.S. presidents during his tenure, observers note that no previous American leader has criticized him as openly as Trump has. The shift also highlights changing attitudes in U.S. politics toward Israel, with growing divisions across both major parties over Middle East policy and the war in Gaza. Former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris also had disagreements with Netanyahu but generally voiced their criticism more cautiously.