Trump's Relationship With Netanyahu Frays Amid Iran Deal Pursuit

The relationship between former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly frayed, marked by Trump's unusually harsh public criticism. Trump recently claimed that without him, Israel would not exist, stating, "Without me, there would be no Israel because no other President was willing to do what I did." He also described Netanyahu as "crazy" in interviews, a level of public denigration not previously seen from a U.S. leader toward an Israeli prime minister.

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Without me, there would be no Israel because no other President was willing to do what I did.

This public spat comes as Trump is actively pursuing a deal to end the war with Iran. Recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon have reportedly threatened to jeopardize these negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Trump, facing domestic political pressure over the war's unpopularity and its impact on gasoline prices, is pushing for an agreement. Analysts suggest Trump is prepared to use leverage if Netanyahu obstructs his desired outcome.

Netanyahu, whose tenure as prime minister has seen him interact with four U.S. presidents, has frustrated many. However, Trump's open condemnation marks a new level of public discord. Trump stated he had told Netanyahu he was unhappy with recent actions, urging him to be "more responsible with respect to Lebanon."

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I have had a great relationship with Bibi. Now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon.

The long-standing bipartisan consensus in Washington supporting Israel has shown signs of weakening. Liberals have expressed outrage over Israel's actions during the Gaza war, while some conservatives question the extent of American support. Trump's latest comments have faced swift backlash from liberal groups, with one leader calling his framing "deeply offensive." While past administrations, like President Joe Biden's, have disagreed with Netanyahu, they typically exercised more caution to avoid accusations of anti-Israel sentiment.

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He is framing Israel's mere existence as contingent on him. It's deeply offensive to the vast majority of Jews who care about Israel's future.