US Ambassador Huckabee Denies Trump-Netanyahu Rift Amid Middle East Policy Tensions

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee strongly denied reports of a rift between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling such claims "reckless and irresponsible." Huckabee emphasized that Trump has spent more time with Netanyahu than with any other world leader recently, underscoring the strength of U.S.-Israel relations. These denials come in response to reports that Trump has sidelined Netanyahu in key Middle East policy decisions involving Iran, the Houthis in Yemen, and other diplomatic matters, which have allegedly frustrated the Israeli leader. Despite reports that Netanyahu was blindsided by U.S. ceasefire decisions and disappointed by Trump's engagement with other regional leaders, Huckabee stressed that Israel and the U.S. operate as sovereign nations without requiring each other's permission for actions. The reports originated from Israel Hayom, a widely read right-of-center Israeli newspaper owned by GOP donor interests, highlighting tensions within the discourse. Huckabee's comments reflect the Trump administration's effort to maintain a narrative of strong bilateral ties amidst speculation of discord.