US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of their first meeting since launching a joint war against Iran, highlighting tensions between the two allies over the future course of the conflict.
The Tuesday meeting comes as both leaders face mounting domestic pressure. Netanyahu is preparing for reelection while dealing with strains in his relationship with Trump, and Trump is facing calls to end a costly war that has disrupted regional stability and pushed up prices ahead of the US midterm elections.
Trump revealed his irritation over reports that Netanyahu planned to share intelligence about Iranian activities at Pickaxe Mountain, a potential nuclear site that the US president has repeatedly threatened to strike.
“I know exactly what’s going on at Pickaxe,” Trump told Fox News’ “Fox & Friends.” He said Iran’s activities there were “not a big problem” and suggested Netanyahu was raising the issue to keep Washington involved.
“Why do you have to announce to the world?” Trump said, indicating his frustration with the Israeli leader.
Despite their differences, the two leaders are expected to discuss several key issues, including a US-Israel framework agreement with Lebanon related to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, according to a White House official.
“We have a little difference,” Trump told reporters Monday when asked whether he and Netanyahu were on the same page regarding Iran. “But pretty close, yeah.”
Trump and Netanyahu have had a fluctuating relationship over the years. Their alliance appeared stronger after Trump returned to the White House last year, with both leaders presenting a united front when they launched military action against Iran in February.
However, after Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting US bases and cities across the Gulf region and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump faced increasing pressure from domestic opponents and regional allies to end the conflict.
Netanyahu had pushed for continuing military operations against Iran and its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Trump moved toward seeking a deal with Tehran. The differences between Trump, Netanyahu and US Vice President JD Vance have become increasingly visible in recent weeks.
Israeli political analyst Amit Segal wrote in the newspaper Israel Hayom that Washington was making clear that it was leading the war strategy, leaving Israel in a less influential position.
During his White House visit, Netanyahu is expected to present Israeli intelligence on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to a person familiar with the matter.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said he wanted to hear Trump’s plans for Iran, adding that the US president’s decision would largely determine the next steps.
“If he can do so without returning to intense military fighting, that’s fine,” Netanyahu said, while insisting that Iran’s nuclear programme must be ended.
Netanyahu also warned Tehran against attacking Israel, saying any such move would trigger a “very forceful” response.