Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday evening that there is a crisis in relations with U.S. President Trump, and the challenge is to manage it in a way that does not harm Israeli security. The remark, reported by journalist Yinon Magal, adds to a series of public statements by Israeli officials in recent days acknowledging tension with the administration.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich acknowledged Tuesday evening a crisis with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying the challenge is to manage it without harming Israeli security. The statement, reported by journalist Yinon Magal, is the most explicit admission of strain from a senior Israeli minister since tensions surfaced publicly last week. It follows remarks by Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday, who said that "even the best families have disagreements" — a reference the premier framed as tactical, not strategic. Smotrich's comment comes hours after U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, speaking at a conference in Judea and Samaria, said he would recommend Trump visit the region, a statement seen by some Israeli officials as a gesture of solidarity. The broader context is a reported dispute between Jerusalem and Washington over the emerging nuclear deal with Iran, with Israel concerned it is being sidelined in the diplomatic endgame. As The Zioneer reported Monday, Netanyahu's upcoming phone call with Trump is expected to be the toughest confrontation between the two leaders.
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