Lead

As Israelis grapple with a US-Iran interim deal that many view as a capitulation, American allies of President Donald Trump have stepped up to defend the strength of the US-Israel relationship, even as a wave of criticism from Israeli officials and media suggests deepening strains in the decades-long alliance.

At a foreign policy conference in Jerusalem on June 21, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, while acknowledging an "enormous level of anxiety about the relationship," asserted that "the United States and Israel have an unbreakable bond." His remarks came against the backdrop of a poll indicating that 92 percent of Israelis believe the US has given away their victory over Iran, with nearly half supporting continued Israeli military action in Lebanon despite Washington's calls for restraint.

Coverage comparison

The story has been covered by outlets with contrasting emphases, reflecting the complexity of the situation. Al Jazeera and The Hindu presented the broad picture of a "roller coaster" relationship, from initial confidence after the joint attack on Iran to public disagreements over ending the four-month-old war. Both outlets noted the Israeli prime minister's warning that the deal would empower Israel's "deadliest enemy" and constrict its ability to respond to Iran-backed Hezbollah threats.

Deutsche Welle highlighted Netanyahu's comments that he and Trump did not always share the same views, stressing that his primary interest is protecting Israel from a potential nuclear threat. The outlet also reported Israeli opposition politicians describing the deal as a "capitulation to Iran."

The Jerusalem Post, across multiple articles, focused on reactions from Israeli figures and media personalities, including criticism of Trump's envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, as well as a nuanced perspective suggesting that the Trump-Netanyahu relationship has not broken down.

TASS provided a contrasting view, quoting Netanyahu as saying "I don't think there's a rift" and asserting that the US and Israel share the same goals on Iran, even as it acknowledged US president's remarks and adviser concerns.

Key Claims

  • US-Israel bond unbreakable: Ambassador Mike Huckabee told a Jerusalem conference on June 21, "The United States and Israel have an unbreakable bond," while acknowledging an "enormous level of anxiety about the relationship." He spoke at the JNS International Policy Summit, where concerns about the alliance dominated discussions.
  • Israeli fear of empowered Iran: Netanyahu and many Israelis view the MOU as empowering a state they see as their "deadliest enemy" and constricting their ability to respond to Iran-backed Hezbollah. Netanyahu warned on Monday that Israel would continue to act to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, regardless of the agreement.
  • Mark Levin's mixed defense: At the same conference, conservative commentator Mark Levin, who has publicly criticized the Iran deal and called on the White House to release its details, praised Trump for his support for liberty, religious freedom, Christianity, and Judaism, while still believing that the "Iranian regime" had to be destroyed.
  • Criticism of Trump's envoys: Channel 14, a right-wing Israeli network, accused Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff of turning their backs on Israel by pushing a deal that leaves Iran's nuclear program, missile program, and proxy network unaddressed. Commentators accused the envoys of prioritizing regional calm and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz over Israel's security.
  • Trump's warnings and threats: At the G7 summit, Trump said Netanyahu "has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon," called a Beirut strike "vicious," and insisted that without him, "there would be no Israel." Trump also reportedly described Netanyahu as a "very difficult guy." Earlier, Trump confirmed he called Netanyahu "effing crazy" in a phone call over Lebanon strikes.
  • Netanyahu's pushback: Netanyahu said "I am responsible for Israel's security interests" and emphasized that Israel's war with the US had prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons in the near term, "saving the state of Israel from the threat of nuclear annihilation."

Perspectives

  • US Ambassador Mike Huckabee: Stressed the enduring bond between the US and Israel, acknowledging anxiety while reaffirming support.
  • Israeli PM Netanyahu: Maintains there is no "rift" in relations, but emphasizes Israel's independent security interests and his intent to act against Iran regardless of the deal.
  • Mark Levin (Fox News commentator): Though he opposes the Iran deal, he praised Trump's broader support for Israel and conservative values, framing Trump as a champion of liberty and religious freedom.
  • Israeli media figures (e.g., Channel 14): Blame Trump's envoys Kushner and Witkoff for pushing a deal that is
- Former Israeli diplomat Danny Ayalon: Called the deal a "massive surrender" by the US to Iran, suggesting that Trump's personal interests and Netanyahu's own political trials have blurred decision-making, and claiming that Israel has lost its influence in Congress.
  • Jewish Democratic Council of America CEO Halie Soifer: Called the deal "an admission of defeat by the United States," expressing concern that Iran has not conceded on nuclear issues.
  • Washington Post/Trump supporters (like Mark Levin): Support Trump's achievements but are critical of the deal, suggesting that the disagreement is over approach, not the relationship.