Why Is Trump Turning on Netanyahu?

The relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once marked by close coordination on regional policy, is now showing signs of strain over diverging strategies toward Iran and Gaza.

According to two U.S. officials, two Middle Eastern diplomats, and others familiar with the matter, disagreements have emerged over how to proceed following the weakening of Hamas and ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program.

Netanyahu has reportedly pushed for military action to eliminate Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, while Trump has signaled interest in securing a diplomatic agreement with Tehran to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon. “They’re worried about any deal,” one U.S. official said of Israeli officials, who have made it clear they oppose any agreement that allows Iran to retain uranium enrichment capabilities.

On Wednesday, Trump said he had not yet decided whether Iran would be allowed to enrich uranium under a new deal. The statement, according to U.S. officials, upset Netanyahu, who sent adviser Ron Dermer to relay concerns during a meeting with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, at the White House the next day.

Trump’s position has also caused frustration in Jerusalem over Gaza. While the U.S. president had previously supported Israeli operations in the Strip, he has more recently encouraged a ceasefire and emphasized his plan for Gaza’s postwar recovery, reportedly describing it as a potential “Riviera of the Middle East.” According to sources, Trump sees renewed Israeli offensives in Gaza as an obstacle to that vision and has privately called them “a wasted effort.”

The Trump administration is currently pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, a topic discussed during Dermer’s recent Washington visit. However, Israeli officials remain focused on dismantling Hamas’s remaining capabilities.

Netanyahu was also said to be blindsided by Trump’s decision to halt U.S. military action against Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen after they agreed to stop targeting American ships. The move came shortly after the Houthis launched a missile toward Israel that landed near Ben Gurion Airport.

During a visit to the White House last month, Netanyahu’s second since Trump returned to office, the Israeli leader had reportedly hoped for a U.S. commitment to military support for a possible operation against Iran. Instead, Trump announced plans for direct negotiations with Tehran.

U.S. officials said Israeli concerns are rooted in the belief that Iran, weakened by sanctions and the degradation of its regional proxies, is vulnerable now, and that time may be running out for effective military intervention. Some Republican lawmakers have echoed that view. Senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham urged Trump to submit any Iran deal to the Senate for ratification and insisted no agreement should permit Iran to enrich uranium.

Asked about their remarks, a U.S. official said Witkoff had briefed both senators on the negotiations.

Despite the tensions, Trump administration officials have emphasized continued cooperation with Israel. “We continue to work closely with our ally Israel to ensure remaining hostages in Gaza are freed, Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon, and to strengthen regional security in the Middle East,” said National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt.

Netanyahu’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Trump is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates next week, but not to Israel. Meanwhile, Witkoff is expected to attend another round of negotiations with Iran in Oman this weekend.

NBC contributed to this article.