Trump, Netanyahu friction was a calculated feint against Iran, says analyst

Massive leaks and tense phone calls between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that signal a deterioration in relations over Iran are part of a calculated strategic effort to keep Tehran guessing, a leading defense analyst told Fox News Digital on Sunday.

He said the public demonstration, reflecting America’s diplomatic patience in sealing off Jerusalem, was secretly laying the groundwork for a united front.

Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute, suggested that the strategy culminated in the synchronization phase over the weekend, and that Trump and Netanyahu showed full alignment by Sunday.

TRUMP AND NETANYAHU WILL MEET AT THE WHITE HOUSE FOR IMPORTANT MEETINGS ABOUT IRAN, GAZA PLAN

axios On Thursday, tough talks between the leaders reportedly centered on a revised US proposal sent to Iran via Pakistan, which Netanyahu rejected in favor of renewed military action to disrupt Tehran’s infrastructure.

A US source said that “Netanyahu’s hair was on fire” after the change.

Separately, weekend reports It was claimed that Israeli leaders were excluded from the US-Iran negotiations after Netanyahu’s pre-war joint campaign attempt to overthrow the Iranian regime did not materialize.

Netanyahu broke his silence on Sunday, posting on X declaring absolute solidarity with the White House and taking a united stance.

EXPERTS WARNED THAT IRAN’S NEW SUPREME LEADER HAD A ‘STEROID-USED FATHER’ AGAINST HARD RULES

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on April 7, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Netanyahu shared on X: “The partnership between our two countries has been proven on the battlefield and has never been stronger. My policy remains unchanged, as does President Trump’s: Iran will not have nuclear weapons.”

Michael viewed the public squabbles and targeted leaks as a calculated tactical feint designed to keep Tehran off guard.

“Neither President Trump nor Prime Minister Netanyahu has anything to do with any crisis, but by leaking the story of the crisis between Trump and Netanyahu, the Iranians may be surprised by the timing of the next military strike,” Michael said.

“The leak created a sense of discord between the two leaders and positioned Trump as the leader who gave the diplomatic route another chance despite pressure from Prime Minister Netanyahu,” he said.

“Trump understands who the Iranians are.”

The latest synchronization followed a weekend phone call in which Trump assured Netanyahu that any final deal with Iran would completely dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program.

UN NUCLEAR OBSERVERS WARNED THAT IRAN CANNOT CONFIRM THAT ITS PROGRAM IS ‘FULLY PEACEFUL’

President Donald Trump, along with several Cabinet members, is monitoring U.S. military operations in Iran following Israel’s attack on Tehran on February 28, 2026. (White House)

Netanyahu also said Trump “also confirmed Israel’s right to defend itself against threats on all fronts, including Lebanon.”

An official statement said Washington was keeping Jerusalem updated on the talks “on a memorandum of understanding to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin negotiations to reach a final agreement on the points that remain in dispute.”

After the meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu also thanked Trump for his “extraordinary commitment to Israel’s security.”

“Netanyahu’s latest post about his last meeting with Trump can be understood as the end to this hoax and all kinds of accusations,” Michael added.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

“This is trying to prepare the Israeli public for the idea that everything is fully coordinated with the United States and that diplomatic developments will serve Israel’s interests.”

However, Michael added that doubts remain in Jerusalem about whether the gaps between the United States and Iran will be closed or “whether Trump will accept Iran’s position.”