US President Donald Trump is reportedly distancing himself from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to recent reports. Sources cited by The Business Standard suggest Trump believes Netanyahu is attempting to manipulate him, prompting a decision to cut direct contact.
An Israeli official noted tensions arose after discussions involving Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer were perceived as unhelpful by Trump’s team.
Additionally, a New York Times opinion piece by Thomas L. Friedman highlights that Netanyahu’s government, focused on West Bank annexation and Gaza policies, may conflict with U.S. regional interests. Trump’s planned Middle East trip includes meetings with leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, but not Netanyahu.
These claims remain unconfirmed by official statements from Trump or Netanyahu, and further developments are needed to clarify the state of US-Israel relations.
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