Trump allies reassure Israelis amid fears over Iran deal and US tensions

Supporters of US President Donald Trump moved this week to reassure an uneasy Israeli public as concerns grew over a possible interim agreement between Washington and Tehran, along with recent White House criticism of Israel. The developments have raised questions about tensions in the decades-old US-Israel partnership.

The relationship between the two allies has shifted dramatically in recent months. After initially finding common ground following their joint military action against Iran, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have increasingly disagreed over how to bring an end to the four-month-long conflict.

Netanyahu and many Israelis fear that a US understanding with Iran could strengthen a country they consider Israel’s biggest adversary while limiting Israel’s ability to confront threats from Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The uncertainty has intensified as polls show growing criticism of Israel among Americans, while some Israelis believe Washington’s traditionally strong support may be weakening.

“The United States and Israel have an unbreakable bond,” US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Sunday, while acknowledging “an enormous level of anxiety” over the state of relations.

Speaking at a foreign policy conference in Jerusalem, Huckabee joined other Trump allies who addressed concerns surrounding the alliance.

Conservative commentator Mark Levin, a longtime Trump supporter who has criticized the Iran agreement, said he opposed the deal and believed the Iranian government remained a serious threat. However, he praised Trump’s broader support for religious freedom and values important to many Americans and Israelis.

Israeli concerns grow over Republican criticism

Beyond the Iran deal, Israelis are also worried about Trump’s pressure on Israel to accept a ceasefire arrangement with Hezbollah in Lebanon and his increasingly critical remarks toward Netanyahu’s government.

Trump has recently criticized Israel’s military approach and questioned its continued operations in Lebanon, while Vice President JD Vance said Trump remained the only world leader strongly sympathetic toward Israel. At the same time, Vance argued that criticism of Israeli policies should not automatically be labeled antisemitic.

The fact that such criticism is now coming from within Trump’s Republican Party has alarmed some Israelis, especially as Democratic voices in the US have become more openly critical of Israel.

Conservative radio host Sid Rosenberg told attendees in Israel that despite frustrations with Trump, he remained the country’s strongest option politically.

“You could have JD Vance. Good luck with that,” Rosenberg said, while recognizing that many Israelis were deeply unhappy with Trump’s recent comments.

A Pew Research Center survey from March showed that younger Republicans have become increasingly critical of Israel. Among Republicans aged 18 to 49, 57% held an unfavorable view of Israel, compared with 50% a year earlier.

Criticism of Israel has also increased in the US following the heavy destruction and civilian deaths during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, as well as over Israel’s conflict with Iran — a war that has faced opposition among parts of Trump’s conservative base.

Victoria Coates, a former Trump national security official and vice president at the conservative Heritage Foundation, acknowledged that the relationship was facing difficulties but said she believed both countries’ leaders could repair ties.

Netanyahu remains confident, officials say

Until recently, Trump was widely viewed in Israel as one of its strongest-ever supporters after decisions during his first term to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and support diplomatic efforts that helped secure hostage releases.

Israeli officials close to Netanyahu said the prime minister does not believe Trump’s recent comments signal major policy changes, such as reductions in military support.

According to the officials, Trump’s tougher public language may partly be aimed at addressing frustration among American voters ahead of the November midterm elections.

However, the uncertainty has encouraged some Israeli figures to argue that the country must prepare for a future in which US support is less predictable.

Ohad Tal, who heads the US-Israel caucus in Israel’s parliament, said Israel must strengthen its independence, expand its capabilities and develop new partnerships.

“Israel has to be much more independent and forge new alliances,” Tal said, reflecting growing debate inside the country over the future of its most important international relationship.