Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected assertions that Israel drew the United States into the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating that U.S. President Donald Trump independently recognized the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program. His comments come amid reported disagreements between the two allies over military strategy and the war’s widening economic impact.
Netanyahu, speaking at a press conference, directly countered criticism from some U.S. politicians and former officials who have suggested Trump was influenced by以色列 to launch the war in late February. “Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do?” Netanyahu said. He emphasized that Trump “always makes his decisions based on what he thinks is good for America” and that he did not need to persuade the president about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The prime minister’s defense follows remarks from Joe Kent, a former head of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, who claimed Trump’s team was swayed by a “powerful” Israeli lobby. Netanyahu framed the partnership as essential to preventing a “catastrophic development,” asserting that Trump had explained the threat to him, not the other way around.
Thewar, now in its third week, has exposed strains in U.S.-Israel coordination. On Wednesday, Trump publicly criticized an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, posting on Truth Social that Israel acted “out of anger” and implying such targets should not be hit again. This public divergence underscores differing approaches within the alliance.
The conflict has also intensified regional economic pressures. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz to Western vessels has disrupted global energy shipping, contributing to elevated oil prices. A key U.S.-Israeli strategy to incite a popular uprising in Iran has failed, with the Iranian government maintaining control despite the assassination of its top political and military leaders.
The lack of a clear endpoint to the fighting and the discord between Washington and Jerusalem raise questions about the long-term strategy and sustainability of the campaign. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate remain stalled, while the human and economic costs continue to mount.
