Netanyahu meets Trump amid reported tensions over Iran conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, marking their first encounter since the outbreak of hostilities with Iran. The relationship between the two leaders is described as cool, particularly following Israeli attacks on Lebanon and a disagreement over a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Iran.

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What the hell are you doing?

Sources indicate that Trump expressed significant anger towards Netanyahu during a June phone call, reportedly shouting, "What the hell are you doing?" The dispute stemmed from Netanyahu's escalation of attacks on Lebanon, which directly contradicted the ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. with Iran. According to the news outlet Axios, Trump told Netanyahu, "You are f u king crazy. You would be in jail if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everyone hates you now. Everyone hates Israel because of this."

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You are f u king crazy. You would be in jail if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everyone hates you now. Everyone hates Israel because of this.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance echoed similar sentiments weeks later, directly addressing Netanyahu and his government. Vance stated, "You cannot just kill your way out of every national security problem you encounter," referencing Israel's civilian casualties in Lebanon and urging adherence to Trump's peace process efforts. Vance emphasized, "Israelis have to respect this peace process."

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You cannot just kill your way out of every national security problem you encounter.

Despite the reported tensions, Trump confirmed on Tuesday that their relationship is somewhat strained, referring to it as "a little disagreement." He suggested Netanyahu planned to present new intelligence on Iranian nuclear facilities during their meeting, hoping to draw the U.S. into further military action. Trump noted, "Bibi tells me this because he wants me to remain involved," using Netanyahu's nickname. The meeting comes as the war with Iran is increasingly unpopular in the U.S., with only a third of Americans supporting it, potentially impacting Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.

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Israelis have to respect this peace process.