The news, based on close sources as reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), suggests that the frequent meetings between Trump and Netanyahu are no longer friendly. It is claimed that Trump has been using harsh words towards Netanyahu, who is pushing him into the U.S.-Israel/Iran War that is straining the U.S. economy while Trump tries to end this war. In a recent phone call regarding Lebanon, Trump was reported to have said to Netanyahu, “Why are you blowing up buildings? Stop blowing up buildings.” The news also mentions another conversation where Trump complained about being associated with the global economic downturn triggered by the war, likening himself to the Great Depression of the 1930s and Herbert Hoover.
An insider quoted in the news revealed that during a discussion on pre-agreement provisions regarding nuclear weapons, Netanyahu asked Trump, “Donald, how will you verify this?” The same source claimed that in other discussions, Netanyahu emphasized not trusting Iranians based on past events. A senior administration official also mentioned that Netanyahu was insisting on more military operations, while Trump was getting tired of it. The official stated, “Bibi (Netanyahu) explains to the president why something needs to be blown up, how and when Israeli intelligence will do it. The president listens. The discussions usually go the same way.”
When asked for comments on these allegations, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office did not respond. A White House official said, “Trump has a great partnership with Netanyahu and Israel,” but added that “no country or leader can pressure President Trump to do something.” Sources closely following the situation indicated that as the war progressed, Trump began to doubt Netanyahu’s claims. They mentioned that Trump was more willing to engage in a conflict with Iran than most of his advisors and Israelis had anticipated. It was also noted that Netanyahu had prepared detailed attack plans against Iran and presented them to the president. Initially, Trump was excited about the precision of the joint attacks with Netanyahu, the number of Iranian leaders rendered ineffective, and the anticipation of the next bombing location.
As the war continued, Trump started to question some of Netanyahu’s claims and rejected the plan of allowing armed Iraqi Kurdish groups to enter Iran to overthrow the Iranian government. Sources highlighted that despite the ceasefire, Trump was most angered by Israel’s continued bombing of Lebanon. It was reported that at one point, Trump personally tried to mediate an agreement by summoning Israeli and Lebanese officials to the Oval Office.
