Tension in Trump-Netanyahu Call Over the War With Iran

The phone call that took place Tuesday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was marked by noticeable tension and revealed differences in their approaches to the war with Iran, CNN reported, citing a U.S. official.

According to the source, Trump had told Netanyahu during a previous call on Sunday that he was leaning toward pressing ahead with new strikes against Iran early in the week, as part of an operation expected to be called “Heavy Hammer.”

The divergence appeared clear between Trump, who is still betting on the possibility of reaching an agreement, and Netanyahu, who had expected a different direction, according to an Israeli official.

CNN quoted an Israeli source as saying that concern grew among those close to Netanyahu after the phone call, as the Israeli government’s desire to return to the military option increased, amid frustration over what it sees as “Iranian diplomatic stalling” that Trump is allowing.

The sources added that Netanyahu’s frustration with Trump’s approach is not new, particularly regarding threats that are quickly walked back.