Why Trump’s rebuke of Netanyahu signals a shift in US-Israel ties

Why Trump’s rebuke of Netanyahu signals a shift in US-Israel ties

In an unexpected move, US President Donald Trump publicly contradicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, saying there is “real starvation” underway in Gaza. The statement came just after Netanyahu had called such reports “a boldfaced lie.” Trump said he had seen the images himself and declared on Tuesday that anyone who wasn’t moved by them would have to be “pretty cold hearted” or “nuts”, the Financial Times reported.

This marks one of the clearest breaks between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump’s return to office. For years, Trump had granted Israel near-total support, including approving controversial military actions across Gaza, Syria, and Iran. His comments this week suggest that the alliance may now come with new, if still unwritten, limits.

Mounting pressure from Trump’s base and the international community

While international outrage over Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has steadily grown, a more surprising source of criticism is emerging: Trump’s own political base. Figures like podcaster Candace Owens and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have publicly criticized the war and US aid to Israel. Greene even called the conflict “a genocide” and proposed legislation to block aid—though it failed in Congress.

According to Middle East experts, Trump is aware of this shift in sentiment. “My people are starting to hate Israel,” he reportedly told a prominent Jewish donor. While many in Trump’s circle continue to back Israel, there’s growing recognition that some MAGA-aligned voters are questioning the alliance, especially younger conservatives and far-right influencers.

Signs of discomfort behind Trump’s consistent support

Trump has continued to side with Israel in its larger conflict with Hamas and Iran, but recent incidents have exposed cracks. After Israel bombed Gaza’s only Catholic church and simultaneously launched airstrikes in Syria, Trump reportedly phoned Netanyahu in anger. He also dispatched Secretary of State Marco Rubio to de-escalate tensions after the strike in Syria contradicted his administration’s efforts to rebuild diplomatic ties in the region.

Still, Trump’s backing of Netanyahu remains strong on key issues. He blames Hamas for failed ceasefire talks and approved a previous Israeli strike on Iran despite concerns over civilian targets. Yet, as regional tensions rise and his administration juggles multiple crises, the cost of unqualified support may be growing clearer to Trump.

The larger game: Trump’s Middle East ambitions

Analysts say Trump sees the post–October 7 regional chaos as an opportunity for US influence, investments, and eventual peace agreements. Israel’s military expansion, especially in Syria and Lebanon, risks clashing with these goals. “Trump defines US interests moment to moment,” said one policy expert, “so Netanyahu’s actions can’t always be guaranteed a green light.”

Observers also note that Trump tends to reflect the views of whoever last spoke to him. As criticism of Netanyahu increases across the political spectrum, including from some US Christian leaders after the church bombing, Trump may be recalibrating his stance—not abandoning Israel, but showing he’s willing to push back when necessary.

A complex alliance enters uncertain terrain

Trump’s rebuke of Netanyahu—over starvation, civilian casualties, and religious site attacks—marks a turning point in their relationship. While Trump remains one of Israel’s staunchest allies, the era of unconditional support may be waning. Domestic political calculations, humanitarian optics, and broader foreign policy goals are reshaping the US–Israel alliance in real time. Whether this marks a lasting shift or a tactical moment remains to be seen.