Despite President Trump being perceived by some as a pawn of Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, and America often portrayed as a vassal state of Israel, and also amid claims that Trump sold out to Zionist campaign donor Miriam Adelson for $100M, it's now being reported by multiple sources that the honeymoon with Netanyahu is over and divorce proceedings may be underway as of this month.
May 8th, Israeli Army Radio reported that Trump decided to sever contact with Netanyahu. The reason cited was that Netanyahu and his associates have been acting arrogantly and attempting to intimidate President Trump.
According to IDF Radio, close associates of Trump told Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, the President feels disrespected and manipulated by Netanyahu, and that there's nothing he hates more than 'appearing as easily manipulated' in public.
Israel Hayom reported that Trump is “disappointed” with Netanyahu, also citing sources close to the President. The outlet notes frustration over Netanyahu’s push for military action against Iran’s nuclear program, which Trump sees as an attempt to pressure the US into military conflict. Trump is reportedly moving forward with Middle East initiatives, like Saudi normalization, without waiting for Israel’s participation, as Netanyahu is “delaying necessary decisions.” Relations have hit a “low point” with mutual disappointment, and Trump’s decision to skip Israel on his Middle East trip (visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) underscores this rift. The news outlet also noted Trump’s frustration with Netanyahu’s new Gaza offensive, which Trump views as counterproductive to rebuilding efforts, reporting that Trump wants a ceasefire and hostage deal, aligning with the Israeli public’s preference (70% support a deal per polling), but Netanyahu’s focus on military pressure to defeat Hamas clashes with this goal.
The Times of Israel reported Netanyahu claimed only military pressure will free hostages, contradicted by evidence that ceasefires have led to the largest hostage releases. Trump’s push for a Gaza deal, including the recent release of US-Israeli IDF soldier held hostage, Edan Alexander, which Netanyahu initially tried to claim credit for, totally bypassed Netanyahu, with Israeli intelligence only learning of the deal through spying on Hamas.The outlet also stated that Trump’s unilateral actions, such as announcing a ceasefire with the Houthis without informing Israel, blindsided Netanyahu, and that Trump’s focus on American interests, like nuclear talks with Iran and hostage negotiations with Hamas, exclude Israel. They also reported that Netanyahu's coalition, dependent on "far-right" parties pushing for Gaza’s ethnic cleansing, limits his ability to align with Trump’s ceasefire push.
Israeli critics argue Netanyahu prolongs the war to avoid a government collapse, in contrast with Trump’s alignment with the Israeli people’s desire for peace. Netanyahu vowed to “defend ourselves alone,” signaling a break from past US-Israel joint operations.
The Jerusalem Post described Israel’s unease over Trump’s Houthi deal, quoting a senior Houthi leader calling it a “failure for Netanyahu.” Israeli officials are concerned, they said, about losing their central role in US Middle East policy. The outlet hlighted Israel’s lack of advance notice about Trump’s Houthi ceasefire announcement, with Israeli airstrikes on Yemen proceeding independently.
Haaretz military correspondent Amos Harel wrote that Trump’s disengagement from Gaza mediation, coupled with offhand comments about turning Gaza into a “Riviera,” has emboldened Netanyahu’s allies to push for Palestinian displacement. Reports by Haaretz earlier this year foreshadowed tensions, with the outlet claiming that Netanyahu lied to Trump about Gaza ceasefire plans and prepared to sabotage a deal to appease his "ultra-nationalist coalition". Commentator Chaim Levinson noted Trump’s envoy forced Netanyahu to accept a plan he rejected, highlighting distrust.
Research suggests the U.S. has provided at least $17.9B in military aid to Israel since October 7, 2023., and that total US. spending, including related operations is actually $22.76B.
As Trump now appears to move forward without him, Netanyahu’s celebration of US - Israel solidarity in February, when he was the first foreign leader to visit Trump, now seems more than a bit premature.