Trump Suggests Israeli PM Must Cooperate with Iran After Missile Attack
President Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have to work with Iran following a missile barrage from the Islamic Republic into Israel on Sunday. He emphasized that he retains control over the decisions being made.
On that day, Iran launched at least ten missiles into Israel, shortly after the Israel Defense Forces struck Hezbollah positions in Beirut.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump remarked that Netanyahu “doesn’t have the say” and must go along with a ceasefire mediated by the U.S.
“There will be no choice. I will make the decision. I call all the shots,” Trump insisted, downplaying Netanyahu’s power in the situation.
Trump also mentioned that despite the disruption of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon last week, it wouldn’t affect U.S.-Iran negotiations. “I don’t know if the deal stands on its own merits, but this has no effect on it,” he told the publication.
Earlier that morning, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s attack on Beirut to Fox News, emphasizing that he had told Netanyahu to pull back. However, he acknowledged that Iran’s strong reaction “will not help negotiations.”
“My suggestion to Iran is that just shooting the missile is enough. Come back to the table and make a deal,” he added.
The president asserted the strength of the U.S. military and highlighted the ongoing naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which he claimed is significantly affecting Iran’s economy. He indicated he might even consider special forces operations against Iran if the U.S.-Iran deal didn’t materialize as intended.
Trump shared that he had just spoken to Netanyahu, advising him against retaliating against Iran. “If Bibi hits back at them, it will continue like it has for the past 47 years, or the past 3,000 years,” he said, reflecting on the ongoing tensions.
Reports circulated last week about a heated phone conversation between Trump and Netanyahu where strong language was used concerning Israel’s position. Trump acknowledged the call’s occurrence but did not contest its contents.
In a brief phone interview, Trump claimed that things were proceeding “very well.”
Meanwhile, Iranian officials seem poised to escalate the conflict involving Israel and the U.S. A statement from the Iranian military indicated that their acceptance of a ceasefire was contingent on peace across all fronts, asserting that previous U.S. actions had violated commitments.
Mohsen Rezaei, an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, spoke of potential retaliation if Israel struck back, hinting at more severe consequences for foreign aggressors.
Israel appears ready to respond, with Brigadier General Effie Deflin of the Israeli military stating plans for further action in Lebanon, although not immediately disclosing any retaliation for the recent missile strikes.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett emphasized that a decisive response is crucial for Israel’s credibility in defending itself. He warned that a weak reaction could embolden adversaries.
Before the attack on Beirut, Iran had conveyed that such hostilities could trigger widespread conflict throughout the Middle East.
