Netanyahu-Trump Alliance Shows Significant Fractures Over Gaza and Iran Policy

The Guardian reported on May 9, 2026 that the alliance between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump has developed significant fractures, with sources from both sides saying the two leaders 'have screwed each other pretty badly.' The breakdown in trust carries major implications for US policy on Gaza — where Israel is weighing resuming full-scale military operations after Hamas rejected the Board of Peace's disarmament roadmap — and for the broader US-brokered negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. The rift reportedly stems from mutual grievances over diplomatic moves made without full coordination, and could complicate any joint strategy on Iran as US-Iran nuclear talks proceed. The development marks a notable strain in what had been a closely aligned relationship since Trump returned to office.