A diplomatic storm erupted today after US President Donald Trump told the BBC that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not defied his authority. The claim, made during a combative interview, was swiftly dismissed by Whitehall sources as 'bluster' from a president desperate to save face.
Speaking to the BBC’s chief political correspondent, Trump insisted that Netanyahu’s recent actions in the Occupied Territories were taken with his full knowledge and approval. This contradicts mounting evidence that the Israeli leader has repeatedly ignored White House warnings over settlement expansion and military operations.
'He didn't defy me. He did exactly what we agreed,' Trump told the broadcaster. 'I have a very good relationship with Bibi. We talk all the time.'
Yet documents uncovered by this newsroom tell a different story. Internal State Department cables from last month show senior US officials expressing alarm at Netanyahu's unilateral decision to authorise new housing units in East Jerusalem. One cable, dated 5 February, notes that 'the Prime Minister appears to be pursuing a policy directly at odds with the President's stated objectives.'
A former White House aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Trump's claim was designed to paper over a serious rift. 'The President is in denial. Netanyahu has been running rings around him for months. Everyone knows it,' the source said.
Whitehall reaction was swift and dismissive. A Foreign Office spokesperson told reporters: 'Her Majesty's Government does not comment on the internal affairs of other states. However, we note the President's remarks and consider them to be without foundation.'
More pointedly, a senior British diplomat described Trump's statement as 'diplomatic bluster of the highest order.' The official added: 'The Prime Minister has consistently ignored American requests. The President is clearly embarrassed by this and is trying to rewrite history.'
This is not the first time Trump has sought to downplay tensions with Netanyahu. Last November, he claimed the Israeli leader had 'never let me down' hours after Netanyahu announced a major new settlement program. The pattern is clear: Trump shields Netanyahu from criticism, even when it undermines US policy.
For Netanyahu, the fallout may be minimal. He knows that Trump is unlikely to apply meaningful pressure, given the President’s domestic political needs. But for the broader Middle East peace process, the implications are grave. If Washington cannot hold Israel to account, what hope is there for a two-state solution?
'This is a joke,' said a former CIA station chief who served in Tel Aviv. 'Netanyahu does what he wants. Trump pretends it’s all part of the plan. And the rest of the world is left to pick up the pieces.'
The BBC interview, which aired in full on Friday night, has already triggered a flurry of diplomatic activity. American allies are scrambling to assess whether Trump’s words reflect a genuine policy shift or mere off-the-cuff rhetoric. Most are betting on the latter.
But the damage is done. Once again, the President has shown that he will not hold Israel accountable. And once again, Netanyahu has demonstrated that he can defy Washington with impunity.
As one former British ambassador to Israel put it: 'This isn't diplomacy. It’s a masterclass in how not to do it.'
