Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly denied allegations that Israel dragged former US President Donald Trump into a war with Iran, while asserting that the United States was not involved in a recent attack on the world's largest natural gas field. Speaking to the press on Thursday, Netanyahu addressed claims made by former Trump counter-intelligence official Joe Kent, who blamed Israel for convincing Trump to join the ongoing conflict, dismissing them as 'fake news.'
Netanyahu Rejects Accusations of Manipulation
Netanyahu made a pointed effort to refute the recent accusations, questioning the logic behind them. 'Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do? Come on. President Trump always makes his decisions based on what is good for America and what is good for future generations,' he stated. The prime minister emphasized the clarity of shared interests and achievements between the two nations, highlighting their close military and intelligence coordination.
Close Coordination with Trump
'In this case, those interests are absolutely clear and so is the clarity of our achievements. Together in close coordination with President Trump, close coordination between America and Israel, our militaries, our intelligence services, we're achieving goals in lightning speed,' Netanyahu added. He sought to downplay any disagreements, insisting that Israel 'acted alone' in the strike on the South Pars gas field in Iran and agreed to Trump's request to hold off on further attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure.
Trump's Response and US Awareness
President Trump made headlines late Wednesday by clarifying that he had no say in the attack on South Pars. During an Oval Office meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday, Trump told reporters that he neither agreed with nor approved of Israel's strike. 'I told him, "Don't do that,"' Trump said of Netanyahu's decision. 'We get along great. It's coordinated, but on occasion he'll do something. And if I don't like it — and so we're not doing that anymore.'
Despite this, two people familiar with the matter, who were not authorized to comment publicly, told the Associated Press that the US was made aware of Israel's plan ahead of the attack, with one noting that Israel's targets are being coordinated with the US.
Diverging Objectives in Iran Strategy
Top US administration officials argued on Thursday that Trump is aligned with Netanyahu but is ultimately guided by US national security interests. The US air campaign has focused on decimating Iran's missile program, pummeling its nuclear program, and destroying its navy. In contrast, Israel has carried out high-level assassinations aimed at toppling the Islamic authority that has led Iran since 1979.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard highlighted these differences during a House intelligence committee hearing, stating, 'The objectives that have been laid out by the president are different from the objectives that have been laid out by the Israeli government.' Trump has cooled on the prospects of toppling Iran's clerical authority, a shift from earlier confident statements about Iranians ridding themselves of clerical rule.
Netanyahu's Perspective and Political Context
Netanyahu framed the conflict as an opportunity to usher in a new era in the Middle East, with a more moderate leadership in Tehran that is not hostile to Israel. He is buoyed by strong support from the Israeli public, which gives him political leeway to sustain operations against Iran. 'It's been said that for 40 years I've been saying that Iran is a danger to Israel and a danger to the world. That is true,' Netanyahu said at a news conference in Jerusalem. 'You know who else said that? President Trump.'
Netanyahu later added, 'Look, I don't think any two leaders have been as coordinated as President Trump and I. He's the leader. I'm his ally. America is the leader.' Over Trump's five years in the White House, Netanyahu has been a steadfast ally, often praising Trump as the most reliable friend Israel has had in the White House.
Trump's Evolving Stance and Future Outlook
In a Fox News Radio interview last week, Trump expressed concerns about the paramilitary Basij force in Iran and doubted the readiness of Iranians to rise up against the government. When asked if he agreed with Netanyahu's calls for Iranians to take back their country, Trump made clear he didn't think they were prepared, adding, 'I would think that Bibi would understand that too.'
Trump has acknowledged that the two countries approach the war differently, noting, 'You know, they're there, and we're very far away.' Despite these differences, Netanyahu's statements aim to reinforce the strong alliance and coordination between Israel and the United States, even as strategies and objectives in the Iran conflict continue to evolve.
