JERUSALEM (AP) — President Donald Trump publicly expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of their White House meeting Tuesday, complaining that the Israeli leader was discussing sensitive intelligence about Iran in what Trump suggested was an effort to keep the United States involved in confronting Tehran.
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Speaking in an interview on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” Trump dismissed reports about alleged Iranian activity at Pickaxe Mountain, a site believed to be associated with Iran’s nuclear program, and criticized Netanyahu for raising the issue publicly.
“I know exactly what’s going on at Pickaxe,” Trump said. He insisted that whatever Iran was doing was “not a big problem” and suggested Netanyahu was emphasizing the issue because “he wants me to stay involved.”
“Why do you have to announce to the world?” Trump added, in remarks that underscored tensions between the longtime allies ahead of their meeting.
The comments marked one of Trump’s sharpest public criticisms of Netanyahu since the two leaders coordinated military action against Iran earlier this year. While Trump has repeatedly praised Israel’s campaign against Iran and reaffirmed U.S. support for its security, he has also signaled a desire to avoid deeper American involvement in the region.
The meeting at the White House comes as both leaders face political pressures at home. Netanyahu is confronting domestic criticism over his handling of the war in Gaza and his governing coalition, while Trump has faced calls from some supporters to steer clear of another prolonged Middle East conflict.
Despite Trump’s remarks, both leaders have sought to project continued cooperation on regional security. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting, said Trump and Netanyahu were expected to discuss Iran, the implementation of the U.S.-brokered framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon following the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states.
Asked Monday whether he and Netanyahu remained aligned on Iran, Trump acknowledged some differences while emphasizing their broader agreement.
“We have a little difference,” Trump told reporters. “But pretty close, yeah.”
The meeting is expected to focus on the next phase of U.S.-Israel coordination on Iran, regional security, and diplomatic efforts aimed at expanding ties between Israel and Arab nations.