Trump allies defend him to Israelis anxious over US-Iran peace deal

JERUSALEM — American allies of President Donald Trump this week sought to reassure Israeli audiences anxious over a U.S. interim agreement with Iran and recent White House criticism, amid signs of strain in the long-standing U.S.-Israel alliance.

The relationship between the United States and Israel has fluctuated in recent weeks, moving from early optimism following joint actions involving Iran to public disagreements between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over how to manage the ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional tensions.

Many Israelis, including members of the government, view the emerging U.S. memorandum of understanding with Iran as a potential risk. They fear it could strengthen what they consider their primary regional adversary and limit Israel’s operational flexibility against Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Concerns have also grown in Israel as public opinion in the United States appears increasingly critical of Israeli policy. Analysts and officials say this shift is fueling uncertainty over whether Washington’s traditional support remains as firm as in previous decades.

“The United States and Israel have an unbreakable bond,” said U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, while acknowledging “an enormous level of anxiety about the relationship.” He spoke at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem, where the future of the alliance was a central topic of discussion.

Conservative commentator Mark Levin, a longtime supporter of Trump, told attendees that while he opposed the Iran deal and remained deeply critical of Tehran, he still praised Trump’s broader foreign policy stance on religious freedom and Western values.

Growing friction over regional strategy

Israeli concerns extend beyond Iran to Trump’s push for a ceasefire arrangement involving Hezbollah in Lebanon. Reports of sharp language from Trump directed at Netanyahu, as well as public suggestions regarding alternative regional security arrangements, have added to tensions.

In recent weeks, Trump has reportedly criticized Netanyahu in unusually blunt terms and questioned aspects of Israel’s military tactics in Gaza, remarks that have circulated widely in Israeli political and media circles.

Vice President JD Vance has also adopted a more critical tone, saying Trump remains uniquely sympathetic to Israel compared with other global leaders, while also arguing that criticism of Israel should not automatically be dismissed as antisemitism.

The shifting rhetoric from within the Republican Party has particularly unsettled Israeli observers, who have traditionally viewed U.S. Republicans as consistently strong supporters of Israel. Analysts note that younger conservative Americans are now more divided in their views.

Domestic and international pressure

Public opinion trends in the United States reflect growing polarization. Surveys from recent years indicate that while older Republicans remain strongly supportive of Israel, younger conservatives show significantly less favorable views.

At the same time, U.S. political debate has intensified following Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. The scale of destruction and civilian casualties has drawn widespread criticism across parts of the American political spectrum.

Israel has also faced scrutiny over its role in escalating tensions with Iran, a conflict that remains unpopular among segments of the U.S. electorate, including some within Trump’s own support base.

Efforts to steady the alliance

Despite the tensions, some U.S. officials and conservative commentators have moved to reassure Israeli audiences. Victoria Coates, a former U.S. national security official, said the relationship remains strained but expressed confidence that both governments would restore coordination.

She noted that recent developments had been “challenging,” while also pointing to what she described as positive achievements during Trump’s current term.

Israeli officials close to Netanyahu have downplayed concerns over any fundamental policy shift, including speculation about changes in U.S. military assistance. They believe some of the public criticism may be aimed at domestic political audiences in the United States ahead of upcoming elections.

Calls for greater Israeli self-reliance

Within Israel, the debate over long-term strategy is intensifying. Some political figures are urging the country to prepare for a future in which U.S. support may be less predictable.

Ohad Tal, who heads the U.S.-Israel caucus in the Knesset, said Israel should begin strengthening its strategic independence while continuing to build alternative international partnerships.

“We have to be much more independent and forge new alliances,” he said, reflecting a growing sentiment among some policymakers that Israel must reduce reliance on any single global partner.

For now, however, officials on both sides continue to emphasize that the U.S.-Israel relationship remains intact, even as political rhetoric and policy disagreements test its resilience. -Additional reporting by Rami Ayyub; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Howard Goller/Reuters