Trump and Netanyahu Reported to be in Dispute, According to Analysts
Reports regarding the strained relationship between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have come back into the spotlight. However, several analysts believe that various information leaks concerning their dispute are more a part of a political communication strategy than a reflection of any real change in Washington’s policy towards Israel.
Axios reported that Trump had referred to Netanyahu as “very crazy” and reprimanded him regarding the escalation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Nevertheless, observers emphasise that the content of closed-door conversations between leaders is less significant than the policies being implemented on the ground.
“What truly matters is what actually happens in practice,” said Ryan Costello, Director of Policy at the National Iranian American Council Action (NIAC), to Al Jazeera.
Reports of tension between the US and Israeli leaders are not new. During the Joe Biden administration, various media outlets also reported deteriorating relations between the White House and Netanyahu, particularly amidst the Gaza war that began in October 2023. However, US support for Israel has continued without significant change.
Isabelle Hayslip, Advocacy Manager for the human rights organisation DAWN, assessed that the narrative of Trump taking a hard line against Netanyahu does not align with policy realities. According to her, the Israeli government continues to receive the support it desires from Washington.
“Reports depicting Trump picking up the phone to shout at Netanyahu contradict the policy outcomes, which show that Netanyahu is getting exactly what he wants,” said Hayslip.
This controversy emerges as Trump faces political pressure regarding the war against Iran launched alongside Israel last February. The conflict has caused disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global energy prices and increasing inflationary pressures in the US.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain deadlocked. Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon is even viewed as a risk that could derail the fragile ceasefire that came into effect last April.
Although Trump previously claimed to have spoken with Netanyahu and Hezbollah representatives regarding a cessation of hostilities, the Israeli government maintains that its military operations in southern Lebanon will continue as planned.
Palestinian supporters and several human rights groups argue that Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon would not be possible without political, diplomatic, and military support from the US. Since the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, Washington has provided nearly US$25 billion in military aid to Israel.
Negar Mortazavi, a senior researcher at the Center for International Policy, suggests that leaks regarding the tense conversations between Trump and Netanyahu may be intended to mitigate public criticism of US involvement in the Middle East conflict.
“This could be a way to dampen anger over this unpopular, illegal, and unnecessary war,” said Mortimavi.
However, she emphasised that rhetoric and anonymous reports are insufficient to measure a nation’s policy direction. In her view, the most important factor is whether there is any tangible change on the ground following these reports.
Meanwhile, Costello holds a different view, suggesting the leaks might be aimed at Iran as a signal that Trump is attempting to decouple negotiations with Tehran from Israeli military actions in Lebanon.
Mortazavi also warned that the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is being fought not only on the battlefield but also in the information arena. She noted that various parties are attempting to shape public perception through narratives, disinformation, half-truths, and strategic leaks intentionally distributed to the media.