US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to long-time ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cautioning that Israel may have to fight alone if it resumes hostilities with Iran. The warning comes after a series of escalating military exchanges in the Middle East.
Trump's Warning to Netanyahu
According to reports, Trump called Netanyahu and told him, 'Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon.' The remark was made in an interview with Axios published on Monday, June 8. This is not the first time Trump has cautioned the Israeli leader about defying his orders.
Background of the Conflict
The Middle East has been on edge since February 28, when the US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran. Iran retaliated by striking sites across the region and closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz trade route, disrupting global markets. Despite a short-term ceasefire brokered in April, tensions have remained high.
On Sunday, Iran launched a barrage of missiles, marking the biggest escalation since the ceasefire. Israel disobeyed Trump's orders not to attack Iran, prompting the president's latest warning.
Netanyahu's Response
Netanyahu appeared to heed Trump's threat, stating on Monday that Israel is holding off attacks on Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon 'for now.' In a televised statement, he said, 'Iran tried to dictate a new equation, one that we cannot accept. And after we targeted the terrorist regime in Iran, they stopped their attacks against us.' He added, 'If they commit another error and strike us again, we will respond harshly simply because we have the right to defend ourselves.'
Trump's Previous Statements
Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with Netanyahu. In an interview with the Financial Times, he raged, 'He won't have any choice. I call the shots. I call all the shots. He doesn't call the shots.' The comment referred to the terms of a long-term peace deal with Iran. Trump also told Fox News that he would instruct Netanyahu to refrain from retaliatory action against Iran—advice that Netanyahu ignored.
Last week, Trump reportedly told the prime minister, 'You're f***ing crazy. You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your a**. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.'
Regional Implications
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns across the region. Saudi Arabia is reportedly bracing for a potential missile onslaught from Iran. Meanwhile, Iran's World Cup squad defied Trump immediately after arriving in the US, adding to the diplomatic tensions.
