Trump’s Popularity Plunges in Israel After Iran Deal and Netanyahu Clash

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump’s popularity in Israel has fallen sharply following his administration’s agreement with Iran and a series of unusually blunt criticisms of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a new Kantar Institute survey published by Israel Hayom.

The poll, cited by Israeli commentator Amit Segal, found that Trump’s standing among Israelis has shifted dramatically in just three weeks. In late May, Trump held a 58 percent approval rating compared with 35 percent disapproval, making him one of the most popular political figures in Israel. The latest survey now shows his net favorability dropping from plus-16 points to minus-23 points.

The collapse appears especially pronounced among voters expected to play a decisive role in Israel’s next election. Three weeks ago, voters from the 2022 opposition bloc viewed Trump favorably by a 74-to-20 percent margin. The new poll found that 48 percent now hold a negative view of him, compared with 46 percent who remain favorable.

The decline comes amid growing Israeli criticism of Trump’s Iran agreement, which many opponents have described as a dangerous concession to Tehran. Critics argue the memorandum of understanding leaves Iran’s regime intact, offers sanctions relief and reconstruction aid, and could restrain Israel’s ability to act independently against Iran and its terror proxies.

The backlash has been intensified by Trump’s reported anger toward Netanyahu over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon. Trump recently confirmed reports that he used harsh language toward the Israeli leader during a tense phone call, saying he was “perturbed” by Netanyahu’s “constant fighting with Lebanon,” while also insisting he likes Netanyahu and works well with him.

According to multiple reports, Trump also warned Netanyahu that Israel could find itself “on its own” if it resumed military action against Iran and suggested the Israeli premier would have little choice but to accept a U.S.-brokered agreement with Tehran.

Netanyahu has responded cautiously, seeking to avoid an open rupture with Washington while publicly defending Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran, Hezbollah, and other hostile forces. Although Israel agreed in recent days to “hold fire” at Trump’s request, Netanyahu has emphasized that Jerusalem reserves the right to act when its national security is threatened.

For many Israelis, the issue is not merely diplomatic tone, but national survival. After decades of Iranian-backed violence across the Middle East—through Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other proxies—many are bewildered that Tehran could receive major economic relief while Israel is pressured to limit its military response.

The polling results could create an unexpected political opening for Netanyahu. Rather than campaigning on his once-close relationship with Trump, he may now seek to portray himself as the only Israeli leader willing to stand up to Washington when Israel’s security interests are at stake.

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