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Is that how friends treat friends? Trump latest in Netanyahu's rifts with US presidents - opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a history of contentious relationships with U.S. presidents, straining relations with a key ally.
  • Recent reports indicate intense anger from former President Donald Trump towards Netanyahu over perceived poor judgment and actions, particularly regarding the Israel-Hamas War.
  • The article argues that Netanyahu's political career and Israel's security are jeopardized by his volatile relationships with American leaders.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly clashed with U.S. presidents, creating a pattern of strained relations that jeopardizes Israel's standing with its most crucial ally. This history suggests a consistent difficulty in managing the complex U.S.-Israel relationship, which has become a central, yet problematic, aspect of Netanyahu's political strategy.

You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.

— Donald TrumpTrump reportedly told Netanyahu this, expressing anger over his actions and judgment.

Former President Donald Trump has expressed significant wrath towards Netanyahu, reportedly telling him, "You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this." Trump's anger stems from Netanyahu's actions, including a recent bombing of Beirut that reportedly angered Iran and the U.S. president. Trump also criticized Netanyahu's judgment, stating, "Why did Bibi have to do a f***ing attack? I was so pissed off. I let him know. He has no f***ing judgment."

Why did Bibi have to do a f***ing attack? I was so pissed off. I let him know. He has no f***ing judgment.

— Donald TrumpTrump's reaction to Israel's bombing of Beirut, which reportedly angered Iran and the U.S. president.

Netanyahu's conflicts are not limited to Trump. Past U.S. presidents have also experienced friction with the Israeli leader. Bill Clinton reportedly grumbled about Netanyahu's lecturing, and George H.W. Bush banned him from the State Department for criticizing U.S. foreign policy. Furthermore, Netanyahu blindsided President Barack Obama in 2015 by opposing the Iran nuclear deal alongside Republican lawmakers and AIPAC.

Who the f*** does he think he is? Who’s the f***ing superpower here?

— Bill ClintonAides reported Clinton grumbling after Netanyahu lectured him on history.

The article suggests that Netanyahu's approach, particularly his perceived indifference to civilian casualties in the Israel-Hamas War and alleged enablement of settler actions in the West Bank, has fueled international criticism. Trump's assertion that "If there wasn’t me, there would be no Israel" highlights the precarious position Netanyahu has placed Israel in, relying heavily on a volatile relationship with a U.S. president who is also facing criticism.

US foreign policy was 'based on lies and distortions.'

— Benjamin NetanyahuNetanyahu's statement that led to him being banned from the State Department during George H.W. Bush's presidency.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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