US president Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 29th, 2025. Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP via GettyIt is clear that Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu was a major influence on US president Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel in a war against Iran. What is clear is that the US decision to strike Iran is a significant victory for Netanyahu, possibly his most successful diplomatic achievement. Netanyahu argued that the deal actually paved the way for Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb. Bipartisan support for Israel can no longer be taken for granted and if the war ends badly many will blame Israel.

Source: The Irish Times March 06, 2026 20:17 UTC