Bibi played to Trump's ego - and the world is a better place

In the heat of the Israel-Iran war, a bromance that has weathered significant ups and downs between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump has proven its enduring strength. Once strained by a publicized snub during Trump’s recent Middle East tour, their alliance reached a dramatic high on Saturday, June 21, 2025, when Trump’s U.S. military strike obliterated Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility, alongside Natanz and Isfahan. This partnership, forged through shared bravado and strategic alignment, has delivered a historic blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, offering a glimmer of hope for a safer Middle East despite past tensions.

The history of Netanyahu and Trump’s relationship stretches back to Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, when Netanyahu, a seasoned leader since 1996 with breaks, saw an opportunity to align with a like-minded figure. Their bond solidified during Trump’s first term (2017-2021). In 2017, Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reversing decades of U.S. policy, was met with Netanyahu’s effusive praise, calling him “the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House” during a joint press conference on December 6, 2017. The 2020 Abraham Accords, brokered by Trump, normalized ties between Israel and several Arab states, with Netanyahu hailing Trump as a “peacemaker” in a White House speech on September 15, 2020. Their personal rapport—marked by warm handshakes and mutual admiration—peaked with Trump’s 2018 move to exit the Iran nuclear deal, aligning with Netanyahu’s long-standing opposition.

However, the relationship faced challenges. In 2019, tensions emerged when Netanyahu congratulated Trump’s election rival Joe Biden post-2020, prompting a chilly response from Trump, who felt betrayed after supporting Israel’s interests. The Washington Post reported on November 8, 2020, that Trump privately called Netanyahu “disloyal,” straining their ties as Biden took office. During Trump’s 2024 campaign and early 2025 Middle East tour, a notable low point occurred. The New York Times on March 15, 2025, detailed how Trump snubbed Netanyahu, skipping a planned Jerusalem meeting for a brief call, citing “scheduling conflicts” amid disputes over Israel’s judicial reforms and U.S. pressure on West Bank settlements. Netanyahu downplayed it publicly, but aides noted his frustration, per Reuters on March 17, 2025.

The Israel-Iran conflict, sparked by “Operation Rising Lion” on June 13, 2025, revived their dynamic. The IAF, led by Major T., the “Queen of Fire,” had dismantled 120 of Iran’s 300 mobile missile launchers and thwarted a 70-missile barrage, as per her Yinon Yitach interview. Facing Fordo’s underground challenge, Netanyahu turned to Trump. In a series of calls—confirmed by NBC’s Peter Alexander as occurring “several times over the last several days”—Netanyahu flattered Trump’s leadership, framing the U.S. as the key to victory. Trump, who had offered Iran a two-week diplomatic window starting June 17—rejected on June 20—seized the moment, authorizing a strike with B-2 Spirit bombers and MOP bombs.

The result was a triumph Netanyahu celebrated passionately. In a transcribed address aired post-strike, he said:"Israel. Just a short time ago. Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history in Operation Rising Lion. Israel has done truly amazing things. But in tonight’s action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed. It has done what no other country on Earth could do. History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons. His leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace. President Trump and I often say peace through strength. First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength. President Trump, I thank you. The people of Israel thank you. The forces of civilization thank you. God bless America. God bless Israel. And may God bless our unshakeable alliance, our unbreakable faith."

This praise signaled a bromance restored. The IAEA confirmed no radiation leaks at Fordo, while Iran’s Sunday, June 22, missile barrages on Tel Aviv and Haifa, wounding 16, showed a weakened response. Iran’s 40-year “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” chants, tied to the 1979 hostage crisis and proxy attacks, met a counterblow, with 224-639 Iranian deaths against 24 Israeli losses.

Critics like Bill Clinton, on June 21, worried about civilians, but the strike’s military focus addressed a nuclear threat. Houthi and Russian warnings add tension, yet the bromance’s fruit, Fordo’s ruin, offers hope. As Istanbul’s ceasefire summit nears, Bibi and Trump’s revived alliance, forged through highs and lows, may yet secure peace.