Netanyahu admits differences with Trump as US-Israel rift deepens over Lebanon campaign

Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon which is reportedly being viewed by the US as a threat to the memorandum of understanding with Iran seems to have led to friction between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump with the later categorically stating that they don’t often “see eye to eye” on certain issues.

Netanyahu acknowledges differences

This became evident when Netanyahu, addressing the Jerusalem News Syndicate's International Policy Summit 2026, refuted Trump’s claim that they take instructions from each other while adding that they respect each other.

"President Donald Trump does not do everything I want, nor do I do everything he wants. We are leaders of independent and proud countries; sometimes we don't see eye to eye,” stated Netanyahu.

Also Read: Iran, US agree on 60-day roadmap to reach final peace deal

Elaborating further, the Israeli Prime Minister said that him and Trump prioritise the national interests of their respective countries and respect each other’s sovereignty.

"We stand for our interests. I stand for the interests of Israel and for its security. And often we see eye to eye. Sometimes we don't. But we respect each other's sovereignty and leadership and commitment to our people,” he added as quoted by ANI.

Trump's claim draws response

The growing differences between the US and Israel over the latter’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon seems to have become more apparent after Trump claimed that he could influence Israeli military operations while stating that the country respects him and follows his directions.

Also Read: Mixed signals from Washington after first round of US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland

Trump, during an Axios interview conducted last Friday, was asked whether he could influence Israel to halt its strikes on Lebanon. "Yeah, I will be. I mean, they have a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say," stated Trump.

While describing his relationship with Netanyahu as "good", Trump stated that he occasionally needs to "keep him a little bit sane" adding that Israel would "not exist" without US support.

Lebanon campaign at centre

The diplomatic friction comes at a time when Washington and Jerusalem are reportedly at odds over Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon, with Trump cautioning that the actions could threaten the memorandum of understanding reached with Iran last week following extensive diplomatic efforts.

Also Read: Trump says no Hormuz tolls during ceasefire as US-Iran talks resume in Switzerland

US Vice President JD Vance recently issued a stern warning to members of the Israeli cabinet who have publicly opposed the deal. Vance stated that criticising "the only powerful ally" Israel retains may not be advisable, particularly after the war jointly waged by the US and Israel against Iran which began on February 28.

Pressure builds on Netanyahu

Meanwhile, pressure also seems to be mounting on Netanyahu’s government domestically, with recent polling conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Agam Institute indicating that a majority of Israelis believe Iran emerged from the conflict and the subsequent US-brokered agreement in a stronger position.