‘We didn’t force Trump into this war, he acted alone,’ Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back against claims that Israel dragged the United States into its escalating conflict with Iran, insisting that President Donald Trump made his own independent decisions.

Speaking to reporters in Jerusalem on Thursday, Netanyahu dismissed the allegations as “fake news,” stressing that no one dictates decisions to the American president.

“Does anyone really think someone can tell President Trump what to do? Come on,” Netanyahu said. “President Trump always acts based on what is good for America.”

The Israeli leader’s remarks come after former U.S. counter-intelligence official Joe Kent accused Israel of influencing Washington’s entry into the conflict. Kent, who recently resigned, claimed Israel’s actions triggered a chain reaction that pulled the U.S. deeper into confrontation with Iran.

But Netanyahu was firm, stating, Israel acted independently.

He confirmed that Israel carried out the controversial strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, the largest natural gas field in the world, without U.S. involvement. However, he admitted that the move did not sit well with Trump.

“I told him, ‘Don’t do that,’” Trump revealed earlier during a meeting at the White House, making it clear he neither approved nor supported the attack.

In a rare moment of restraint, Netanyahu said Israel would respect Trump’s warning and halt further strikes on critical oil and gas infrastructure in the region.

Despite the disagreement, both leaders are publicly maintaining a united front.

“America is the leader. I’m his ally,” Netanyahu said. “I don’t think any two leaders have been as coordinated as President Trump and I.”

Behind the scenes, however, cracks are beginning to show.

While the U.S. has focused its military efforts on weakening Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities, Israel appears to be pushing a broader agenda — including destabilizing Tehran’s leadership.

American intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard acknowledged the difference, telling lawmakers that Washington and Tel Aviv are not fully aligned on their end goals.

Trump, who has repeatedly said his primary objective is to ensure Iran never develops nuclear weapons, has also cooled on calls for regime change — a stance Netanyahu has openly supported.

Still, both sides continue to coordinate militarily, even as tensions rise over strategy.