JERUSALEM: Israel’s latest strikes on Iran have not only ignited fears of a full-fledged resurgence of war — they run the risk of damaging the close ties between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
Despite Trump’s seeming aversion to the prospect of the war reigniting, both Israel and Iran have leaned into the volatile adversity that has long threatened the ceasefire, launching their first exchange since it began in April.
Following Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, Iran responded with a barrage of missiles toward Israel, where some officials in turn called for a relentless response.
“Tonight Tehran must burn!” demanded firebrand National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
Against the backdrop of US efforts to prevent a retaliation — and reports of Trump’s increasing exasperation with Netanyahu — the Israeli premier yet again brandished the “right to self-defense.”
