The former US president’s remarks, delivered near Washington during an event featuring a new Air Force One aircraft, underscore a turbulent dynamic between the two allies. While Trump publicly credited Netanyahu for a formidable joint effort against Iran, he simultaneously suggested to reporters that he maintains a firm grip on Israeli decision-making, claiming that leadership in Jerusalem does as he says.
Behind the scenes, the relationship appears far more volatile. Reports of a profane phone call on June 1 reveal Trump’s frustration with Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon, which threatens to derail the fragile peace agreement signed just days ago. Intelligence assessments cited by The Washington Post indicate that Netanyahu remains intent on escalating operations against Hezbollah to project strength to his domestic audience, directly contradicting the terms of the Trump-backed memorandum. Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by US and Qatari mediators taking effect Friday, the commitment remains tenuous, with Israeli officials like Ambassador Yechiel Leiter conditioning their adherence on Hezbollah’s full compliance. As US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi head to Switzerland for further negotiations, the risk of the regional deal unraveling remains high.
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