Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has been confiding to those in his inner circle that he feels increasingly disillusioned with President Donald Trump’s approach to the Middle East, according to a report published by Yisroel Hayom.
While Trump often makes strong statements during meetings about confronting Syria and Iran, Netanyahu reportedly feels that the administration’s follow-through is inconsistent and not aligned with its rhetoric.
One particular concern for Netanyahu has been Trump’s backing of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s moves to assert control in Syria. Though Trump has allowed Israel operational freedom in the region, Netanyahu remains uneasy about the broader implications of Erdogan’s growing influence.
Tensions became evident during an impromptu meeting in Washington in April, when Trump publicly complimented Erdogan while Netanyahu sat beside him without responding. Erdogan, a vocal opponent of Israel, has gone so far as to lead prayers calling for Israel’s destruction during a Ramadan visit to a mosque.
Another point of discomfort for Netanyahu has been Trump’s decision to reengage Iran in nuclear negotiations, a move unveiled during the same White House meeting. Israeli officials fear the United States is offering concessions without demanding significant commitments in return.
Adding to the Israeli leader’s frustration, Israel Hayom reports that Netanyahu is disappointed over the dismissal of Mike Waltz, who recently served as the U.S. National Security Adviser.
As detailed by The Washington Post, Trump was reportedly displeased with Waltz’s aggressive stance on Iran and his ongoing coordination with Netanyahu regarding military strategies targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. These tensions were said to be a factor in Waltz’s removal last week.
In response to the coverage, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement saying, “in their conversation days ago, Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump agreed that the supreme goal is the dismantling of Iran’s ability to achieve a nuclear weapon.”
{Matzav.com Israel}