US-Israel Rift Emerges as War in Iran Continues
Washington/Tel Aviv (dpa) – Despite public displays of unity, cracks are appearing in the alliance between the United States and Israel as their joint military campaign in Iran enters its third week. While both nations maintain they are aligned, diverging statements and strategic priorities suggest a growing disconnect between the two allies.
Public Displays of Alliance, Private Disagreements
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly affirmed his strong support for Israel, stating in December 2025, “I am proud to be the best friend Israel has ever had.”1 This sentiment has been underscored by two wars fought on Israel’s side – a joint bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities in the summer and the current conflict with the Islamic Republic, which began three weeks ago.
Though, this public facade of unity is increasingly challenged by inconsistent messaging and differing assessments of the war’s progress. Even with Trump’s recent assertion that “Our relationship is very solid,” speculation about a growing rift persists.
Diverging Timelines and War Aims
The question of when the war will end is a key point of contention. Trump has suggested a flexible timeline, stating he will know when to scale back attacks “when I feel it in my bones.”1 This contrasts with initial government predictions of a four to six-week conflict.
Israeli officials, however, paint a longer-term picture. Chief of General Staff Ejal Zamir asserts that while three weeks of war have weakened Iran, they are “only halfway there,” and the conflict will continue through the Jewish holiday of Passover, beginning April 1st.1 Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has further emphasized a commitment to continue attacks “until all war goals have been achieved.”1
Netanyahu’s statements offer a nuanced perspective, suggesting in Hebrew that the war will continue “as long as it is necessary,” while in English, he claims it “will end much quicker than people think.”1
Trump’s Focus on Economic Concerns
Analysts suggest Trump is increasingly focused on the economic consequences of the conflict, particularly the oil crisis, and the impact on his electorate. This is evidenced by his recent threat to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.3 The rising cost of living is a more pressing concern for Trump than it is for Netanyahu.
Public Rebuke Over Gas Field Attack
A recent post on Trump’s Truth Social account raised eyebrows when he stated, “THERE WILL BE NO MORE ATTACKS FROM ISRAEL” on an important gas field in Iran, revealing the United States had no prior knowledge of the attack.1 This marked the first time Trump had publicly rebuked his wartime ally. Israel’s government subsequently claimed it acted alone in the attack, though reports suggest the operation was well-coordinated with the US.
Evolving Justifications for War
The US government’s rationale for the war has shifted since its inception. Initially, Trump called for “regime change” in Iran, then emphasized the require to destroy Iran’s weapons arsenal and prevent nuclear proliferation, and finally, framed the conflict as a defense of Israel and the American people.1
Intelligence assessments also differ. While the Israeli government is focused on eliminating Iran’s leadership, Trump appears more concerned with eliminating ballistic missile production capabilities and securing the Strait of Hormuz.1
Was Israel the Catalyst for War?
The resignation of the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joseph Kent, who stated that Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States, has fueled speculation that the US was pressured into war by Israel.1 However, Netanyahu has dismissed these claims as “ridiculous,” asserting that the US is fighting *with* Israel for a common goal.