By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON – The long-standing strategic partnership between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly deteriorated as the White House pursues a diplomatic exit from the war with Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing administration officials and sources familiar with their discussions.

According to the report, Trump has grown frustrated with Netanyahu's constant requests for expanded military action. In one tense phone call regarding Israeli strikes in Lebanon, Trump reportedly asked the Israeli leader, "Why are you blowing up buildings," and instructed him to "stop blowing up buildings," expressing exhaustion with the premier's persistent appeals.

A senior US administration official familiar with the two leaders' calls told the Journal that discussions often involved Netanyahu calling for more military action, and that Trump was tired of it. Sources familiar with the discussions claim Trump has grown skeptical of Netanyahu's accuracy, often fact-checking the prime minister's claims with aides – something he didn't regularly do in the past.

In one exchange, the US president reportedly labeled the Israeli leader "crazy" and suggested he would be "in prison" without American backing, referring to charges of corruption, bribery, and breach of trust that Netanyahu faces.

The friction intensified as Washington moved to sign a peace deal with Tehran while largely sidelining Israeli input. According to the Journal, the draft of the US-Iran agreement was shown to Israeli officials only days later.

While Netanyahu pushed for continued strikes on targets like Kharg Island, Trump remained focused on the conflict's economic toll, reportedly fearing a global downturn comparable to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Some White House officials questioned whether Netanyahu was trying to prolong hostilities to strengthen his own domestic political position ahead of difficult elections.

Despite the reported friction, Trump characterized the relationship as an "amazing partnership" while acknowledging tactical differences regarding Lebanon. He described Netanyahu as a "very good man" who occasionally "gets a little excited" during military operations.

"I say you can do a little softer touch, Bibi," Trump said, noting that he advised the Israeli leader that he does not have to "knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that's from Hezbollah".

Trump reaffirmed the hierarchy of the alliance, stating that the Israeli leader recognizes the US as the "big partner". A White House official told the Journal that bilateral relations were "great" before adding: "No country or leader pressures President Trump to do anything".