5 Signs of Strained Ties Between Trump and Netanyahu

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was elated when Donald Trump was re-elected as President of the United States. He became Trump’s first foreign guest after the inauguration.

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, during a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Trump announced that the U.S. would take control and manage Gaza, a move expected to last for an extended period.

Netanyahu smiled at the announcement, as Trump's plan aligned with his own desire to remove Palestinians from Gaza. Netanyahu hailed Trump as the "best friend Israel has ever had," stating that the U.S. president’s Gaza plan could "change history" and was "worth paying attention to." Netanyahu returned to Israel triumphantly.

However, just two months later, Netanyahu’s initial victories seemed to have evaporated. The New York Times reported that the once closely aligned leaders now displayed significant differences in their policies. Here are some signs of their strained relationship:

1. Failed Netanyahu Mission

Despite being considered one of Israel's closest allies, the U.S. imposed new tariffs on Israeli goods. Netanyahu’s mission during his second meeting with Trump was to reverse the 17% tariff on Israeli imports.

However, he returned empty-handed after a disappointing meeting with Trump. Instead of a tariff reduction, Netanyahu learned that the U.S. had initiated direct talks with Iran, a move long opposed by Israel. This surprised Israel, traditionally reliant on Washington for diplomatic support, and the meeting was deemed "humiliating" by Israeli media.

2. Firing of U.S. Security Advisor

Trump recently dismissed his pro-Israel national security advisor, Mike Waltz. Waltz had worked closely with Netanyahu on plans for a potential military strike against Iran, contradicting ongoing diplomatic efforts with Tehran.

His increasingly hawkish stance frustrated Trump. Netanyahu's office, however, denied extensive communication with Waltz.

3. Cutting Direct Communication with Netanyahu

Reports from Israeli Army Radio revealed that Trump had cut direct communication with Netanyahu, citing escalating tensions. Sources close to Trump conveyed that the president felt Netanyahu had attempted to manipulate him, leading to Trump's decision to sever direct ties.

The deterioration of U.S.-Israel relations was also attributed to Israel's lack of a clear strategy regarding Iran and the situation in Gaza.

4. U.S.-Houthi Ceasefire

Israel’s exclusion from recent U.S. diplomatic efforts, such as the ceasefire agreement with Houthi rebels in Yemen, highlighted the growing rift.

Trump announced that the U.S. would stop bombing Houthi forces, following a ceasefire agreement mediated by Oman. This announcement came shortly after an Israeli airstrike on the Sanaa airport in Yemen, which was heavily criticized.

5. Trump’s Middle East Visit Excludes Israel

Reports revealed that Trump's upcoming regional tour did not include Israel, signaling a diplomatic snub. Trump was expected to address Gaza and potentially restart humanitarian aid but without Israel's participation.

Trump's decision reflected his belief that Netanyahu had delayed crucial decisions and his desire to prioritize U.S. interests in relations with Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, who insist on ending the Gaza conflict before any normalization with Israel.

Editor’s Choice: Israel Reportedly Frustrated by Trump's Approach to Iran and Gaza

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

U.S.-China Agree to Slash Tariffs in Bid to End Trade War

1 jam lalu

Israel Reportedly Frustrated by Trump's Approach to Iran and Gaza

6 jam lalu

IMF Approves US$1 Billion Disbursement to Pakistan Despite India's Objections

1 hari lalu

India and Pakistan Agree to Full-Fledged Ceasefire, Trump Announces

1 hari lalu

Trump Reportedly Set to Announce U.S. Recognition of Palestinian State

2 hari lalu

U.S. and China Officials to Hold Trade Talks in Geneva

2 hari lalu

Indonesia's Rupiah Drops to 16,520 per US Dollar; Further Decline Expected

2 hari lalu

7 Interesting Facts About Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pope

3 hari lalu

Israel Dropped 100,000 Tons of Explosives on Gaza, Matching Seven Hiroshima Bombs

3 hari lalu

Trump Reportedly Cuts Ties with Israel's Netanyahu Over Manipulation Concerns

3 hari lalu