TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is reportedly experiencing frustration over U.S. President Donald Trump's implementation of Middle East policies that diverge from Tel Aviv's preferences. According to Anadolu, a former U.S. envoy highlighted the differing viewpoints, particularly concerning Iran and Israel's military actions in Gaza.
"I think what you’re seeing is the Israelis recognizing that as much as they welcomed the election of President Trump and thought that would really give them a blank check to pursue whatever agenda they wanted, Trump has his own agenda," said Frank Lowenstein, a former Middle East envoy during the Obama administration.
NBC News cited Lowenstein's statement during a virtual briefing held by J Street, a pro-Israel and pro-peace advocacy group.
While Trump previously eased restrictions on arms shipments to Israel and supported its military campaign in Gaza, his current approach appears to differ from Netanyahu's.
Netanyahu perceives Iran's current vulnerability, due to U.S. sanctions and the erosion of its regional proxy networks, as a strategic opportunity to launch a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. However, Trump seems to favor a diplomatic resolution.
"We haven’t made that decision yet," said Trump last Wednesday, when questioned about whether the U.S. would allow Iran to maintain uranium enrichment for civilian purposes in a new nuclear agreement.
He indicated a willingness to engage in negotiations with Tehran, which has caused frustration among Israeli officials who oppose any agreement that allows Iran to retain enrichment capabilities.
“They’re worried about any deal,” a U.S. official told NBC News.
The Netanyahu government has publicly stated its expectation that the U.S. will reject any outcome other than the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
However, according to multiple sources, the Trump administration continues to explore options for a new agreement.
Increased Israeli Frustration
Tensions escalated when Trump halted U.S. military operations against the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen, following the group's pledge to cease attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea.
This decision surprised Israel, particularly as it came shortly after the Houthis launched a missile near Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's primary airport.
Netanyahu had hoped for U.S. air support in the event of an Israeli attack on Iran. However, Trump instead announced plans for direct talks with Iran.
U.S. officials report that Netanyahu views this move as counterproductive and potentially squandering a valuable strategic advantage, given that Iran's air defense systems, reportedly heavily damaged by an Israeli attack last October, are currently being rebuilt.
The U.S. and Iran recently concluded the fourth round of diplomatic talks in Muscat, Oman.
Regarding Gaza, Trump has personally criticized Israel's plans to expand its military operations, deeming them "wasted effort because it will make it harder to rebuild."
Since October 2023, over 52,800 Palestinian civilians, primarily women and children, have been killed due to Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former defense chief Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Despite the growing frustration, analysts believe that Netanyahu is unlikely to publicly criticize Trump.
"Those folks love Trump, so for him to go very publicly against Trump is something he really can’t do" stated Ilan Goldenberg, a former Pentagon official.
Trump is scheduled to visit the Middle East next week, with planned stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, but not in Israel.
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