WASHINGTON, June 17: US President Donald Trump has openly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he works to finalise a deal with Iran aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East.
The public disagreement marks a notable shift in a relationship that has long been viewed as one of the closest between an American president and an Israeli leader.
Netanyahu had previously praised Trump as the “greatest friend Israel ever had in the White House.”
However, Trump has recently expressed frustration with Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, warning that they could jeopardise ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Trump claimed that no previous US president had done as much for Israel as he had and said Netanyahu needed to behave more responsibly regarding Lebanon.
The tensions come as Trump seeks to secure an agreement with Iran while facing political pressure at home.
The conflict has become increasingly unpopular among Americans and has contributed to higher energy prices.
Analysts say Trump is willing to use US influence over Israel if he believes Netanyahu’s actions could derail efforts to end the war.
The public criticism has sparked debate across the US political spectrum. Liberal and Jewish advocacy groups criticised Trump’s remarks, particularly his suggestion that Israel’s position depended heavily on his support.
They argued such comments were inappropriate and dismissive of Israel’s broader relationship with the United States.
Meanwhile, conservative pro-Israel groups largely downplayed the dispute, emphasising Trump’s strong record of support for Israel, including relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and backing Israeli security interests.
Some supporters, however, expressed concern that Trump’s criticism could encourage growing public scepticism toward Israel and signal changing political dynamics in Washington. (AP)
