Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was surprised by US President Donald Trump’s decision regarding a potential ceasefire with Iran and the suspension of planned strikes. This information was reported by the US media outlet Axios.
The report states that Netanyahu was largely kept in the dark about the ongoing secret negotiations between the US and Iran in recent days, and he had to reach out to close allies of the Trump administration to gather information.
The report notes that despite the close alliance between the US and Israel, a divergence in their positions is becoming evident. The two parties, which were once aligned in this conflict, now find their goals and interests moving in different directions.
According to the report, Trump seeks a swift end to the conflict, driven partly by the pressure to keep oil prices under control ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Conversely, Netanyahu is facing electoral pressure this year and views the fulfillment of the objectives set at the onset of the conflict as his top priority.
Trump announced on his social media platform, ‘Truth Social,’ that a draft ceasefire agreement had been approved in principle following discussions with Iran’s top leadership. Consequently, he called off the planned strikes and bombing raids on Iran.
Trump claimed that several nations—including the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan—had given their consent in principle to these discussions.
The Axios report further mentions that Trump spoke by phone with Netanyahu, the Emir of Qatar, and other regional leaders before finalizing the draft agreement.
A Reuters report indicates that the agreement between Iran and the US could be signed this coming Sunday in Geneva.
Israel’s Reaction
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that Israel is not a party to the memorandum of understanding reached between the US and Iran. However, they have indicated an expectation that any potential final agreement should include the dismantling of Iran’s uranium enrichment infrastructure, the removal of enriched uranium, restrictions on missile production, and a cessation of support for regional proxy groups.
According to analysts, the objectives of long-time allies the United States and Israel regarding the Iran issue are diverging. Trump seeks to end the conflict quickly through a settlement, whereas Israel aims to establish full control over Iran and its allied groups by maintaining long-term military pressure. This difference in approach has heightened tensions between the two nations in recent weeks.
Domestic Pressure and Political Calculations in the US
Trump is facing criticism over rising fuel and commodity prices caused by the war—factors that could impact his political standing ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Meanwhile, in Israel, Netanyahu is facing criticism for failing to achieve total victory in the conflict that began with the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Ongoing tensions centered on Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran are mounting pressure on his government.
Strain in the Trump-Netanyahu Relationship
Reports also indicate that Trump has recently expressed public dissatisfaction with some of Netanyahu’s decisions. In one phone call, he harshly criticized Netanyahu and voiced displeasure regarding the situation in Lebanon.
According to sources cited by Axios, Trump at one point questioned Netanyahu in sharp terms and expressed frustration with his strategy for managing the war.
Analysts believe the relationship between the two leaders has reached a complex stage, where the pressure to maintain a strategic alliance competes with domestic political interests, compelling both sides in their decision-making.
Public opinion polls suggest that while a significant portion of the Israeli public still supports continuing the war, dissatisfaction with the government’s performance is also on the rise.
Overall, the relationship between the US and Israel is facing renewed strain over the Iran crisis.
