President Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing trade, Iran, and other topics

Headline USA: On April 22, 2025, President Donald J. Trump posted on Truth Social about a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing trade, Iran, and other subjects, claiming they are “on the same side of every issue.”

The call, the first since their April 7 meeting, was brief and included Iran’s nuclear program, per Israeli sources, but omitted Gaza or hostages.

On trade, Netanyahu pledged to eliminate Israel’s $7.4 billion trade surplus with the U.S. to align with Trump’s concerns, yet Trump’s 17% tariffs on Israeli goods remain, indicating incomplete alignment.

On Iran, Trump’s push for nuclear talks, starting April 12 in Oman, contrasts with Netanyahu’s preference for dismantling Iran’s program, as evidenced by Trump blocking an Israeli strike.

Despite Netanyahu’s public support, their differing approaches, diplomacy versus military action, suggest divergence. Other issues like Gaza likely remain contentious, as Trump’s support for Israel’s campaign against Hamas has been tempered by past disagreements.

Thus, while both leaders project unity, Trump’s claim of full alignment is overstated, with trade and Iran revealing strategic and tactical differences.