Trump and Netanyahu split on gas field attack, raise questions about whether they're in sync on war - AP News

AP News
March 19, 2026
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3 min read

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President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly disagreed over Israel's attack on a gas field in Gaza, raising questions about their alignment.

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President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have publicly disagreed over Israel's attack on a gas field in Gaza, signaling potential friction in their alignment on the broader conflict. Trump criticized the strike, while Netanyahu defended it as militarily necessary, marking a rare moment of daylight between the two leaders who have otherwise maintained close coordination on Middle East policy. The disagreement raises concerns about whether the U.S. and Israel are operating from the same strategic playbook as the war continues. The incident underscores how even allied leaders can diverge on tactical decisions during active military operations, particularly when domestic political considerations or military assessments differ.

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