Relations between US President Donald Trump and Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have grown increasingly strained in recent weeks, amid deepening disagreements over the war in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear program, NBC News reported Sunday, citing US officials, Middle Eastern diplomats, and sources familiar with the matter.
According to the report, Netanyahu believes now is the ideal moment for a decisive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump, by contrast, argues that diplomacy can still prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons without resorting to military action.
Gaza Ceasefire vs. Israeli Offensive
As the Israeli occupation resumes its military operations in Gaza, Trump is pressing for a ceasefire and pushing forward his vision of post-war reconstruction, which he has described as transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
He also recently ended US military involvement in Yemen—a move that drew sharp criticism from Netanyahu, who responded by reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
NBC reported that these disagreements have placed the Trump-Netanyahu alliance—once one of Washington’s strongest in the region—at a critical juncture. How the two leaders handle these disputes, the report said, could directly shape major pillars of Trump’s foreign policy agenda.
Disagreements ‘straining’ Trump & Netanyahu’s relationship, according to NBC News:
– Trump is pushing for a ceasefire and postwar reconstruction plan in Gaza, while Netanyahu has launched a new offensive that Trump privately called a “wasted effort.”
– Netanyahu wants military… pic.twitter.com/1Ye9Y8GoK0
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) May 11, 2025
Netanyahu Frustrated Over Iran Stance
Sources told NBC that Trump made two public statements last week that particularly angered Netanyahu. One, delivered Wednesday, suggested he had not yet decided whether to allow Iran limited uranium enrichment as part of a new nuclear agreement.
Netanyahu, sources say, was also frustrated by Trump’s disapproval of the Israeli enemy’s renewed offensive in Gaza, which the former president reportedly called a “wasted effort” that could undermine reconstruction efforts.
Iran Nuclear Deal Remains Flashpoint
While Trump’s administration is pressing both Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire, NBC sources said the Iran nuclear issue remains the most contentious.
All six sources interviewed confirmed that Netanyahu has grown increasingly disillusioned with Trump’s rejection of a military strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
The Israeli occupation government has expressed strong opposition to any agreement that allows Tehran to retain uranium enrichment capabilities.
Trump, however, is reportedly open to a civilian nuclear program in Iran, as long as clear safeguards are in place to prevent any military application.
A third US official told NBC that Trump’s team is in constant contact with Israeli counterparts, keeping them updated on ongoing negotiations and coordinating over key elements of any potential deal.
Source: Al-Manar Website
