In a closed-door session of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee today (Sunday), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed reports of friction between Israel and the United States, declaring: “There are no gaps between us and the Americans.”
Netanyahu added: “Dermer is there every few days, and all this talk about gaps between us and the Americans over Iran or the Houthis is a campaign coming from a certain channel — guess which one? It’s all in the media.”
Tension With Trump?
The reports Netanyahu referred to concern alleged tension between him and U.S. President Donald Trump. According to various publications from Washington, relations between the two leaders have cooled due to differing strategies over how to deal with Iran and the situation in Gaza.
Trump is reportedly seeking a new nuclear deal with Iran and wants to invest in the rehabilitation of Gaza, while Netanyahu insists on a more forceful military approach toward Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Disagreement Over the Gaza Operation
According to reports, Trump is pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza as part of his plan to rehabilitate the area into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” while Netanyahu wants to continue the military operation in order to dismantle Hamas rule.
On Iran as well, Trump is said to be aiming for a diplomatic agreement to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, whereas Netanyahu favors a broad military campaign to eliminate the nuclear threat.
“No Rift in Relations”
Netanyahu emphasized that there is no rift in relations with the U.S. administration. He pointed to the frequent presence of his senior envoy, Ron Dermer, in Washington as proof of ongoing coordination.
Channel 14 political analyst Tamir Morag also claimed the reports of tension were politically motivated rather than fact-based. “There is no rift in the relationship. There are disagreements and differing views, but the administration has not turned its back on Israel,” Morag said.
Ambassador Huckabee: “No better friend than Trump”
Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also adressed the rumors, posting on his X account that it was nonsense. “Israel doesn’t have a better friend than POTUS”
Hmm. @Jerusalem_Post needs better sources than this unidentified “source.” My 4 yr old grandson Teddy is more reliable. And take it from Teddy. This report is nonsense. @Israel doesn’t have a better friend than @POTUS ! https://t.co/N3YYgdXYCW
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) May 10, 2025
