Donald Trump reportedly threatened to end the strategic alliance between the United States and Israel, warning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a “divorce” during a heated phone call in September 2025, according to a new book by journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The authors claim Trump told the Israeli leader that “all the Jews” were tired of his leadership while pressuring Israel to accept a proposed peace plan for Gaza.
The account of the exchange is detailed in the book Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump. Excerpts from the text, which were cited by various media outlets on Tuesday, describe a significant breakdown in the relationship between the two leaders. The reported confrontation occurred as Trump attempted to broker a deal regarding the Gaza Strip, involving several high-ranking US figures in the discussion.
What prompted the reported “divorce” threat?
According to the reporting by Haberman and Swan, the tension stemmed from Israel’s resistance to a specific peace plan for Gaza proposed by the Trump administration. The authors state that the heated discussion took place during a phone call in September 2025. Trump was reportedly joined on the call by US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
The book alleges that Trump’s frustration with Netanyahu’s stance led to blunt and personal criticisms. The Times of Israel reported that Trump told Netanyahu, “Everybody’s sick of you, Bibi. All the Jews are sick of you. Even the two Jews on this call are sick of you.” The authors suggest this rhetoric was used to signal that Netanyahu had lost support not just from the US administration, but from a broader demographic.
The threat of a “divorce” was used as a diplomatic ultimatum. The Independent reported that Trump told the Israeli Prime Minister that his refusal to accept the administration’s deal would result in a formal separation between the two countries. This warning follows a period of closer cooperation, suggesting a sharp pivot in US-Israeli diplomatic relations.
A shifting relationship: From cooperation to confrontation
The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has undergone a documented evolution according to the book’s timeline. While the two leaders initially maintained a high level of cooperation, particularly during the early stages of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, the tone of their interactions reportedly soured as military and diplomatic objectives stalled.
The following table outlines the reported shifts in the relationship during the period described in the book:
| Period | Reported Dynamic | Key Context |
|---|---|---|
| February 28 (Start of Iran War) | Close cooperation | Initial weeks of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. |
| Mid-2025 | Increasing criticism | Stalling peace talks and faltering efforts to subdue Iran. |
| September 2025 | Open hostility | The “divorce” threat and criticisms regarding the Gaza peace plan. |
The book notes that Trump’s criticism extended to Netanyahu’s military decision-making. The authors claim Trump condemned Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which occurred after Iran threatened to withdraw from negotiations. In these instances, Trump reportedly used disparaging language, claiming Netanyahu had “no fking judgment” and allegedly calling him “fking crazy.”
Intelligence warnings and strategic friction
The friction between the two leaders is not characterized solely by personal animosity but also by strategic disagreements. According to a report by the Washington Post, US intelligence agencies had recently briefed Trump on concerns regarding Netanyahu’s intentions. The intelligence community reportedly warned that the Israeli Prime Minister might attempt to undermine US efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement with Iran.
This intelligence assessment adds a layer of geopolitical complexity to the reported personal clashes. If Netanyahu is perceived as working against US regional stability goals, it explains the shift from the “close cooperation” seen in February to the “divorce” threats seen in September. The tension highlights a fundamental disagreement over how to manage the regional fallout from the conflict with Iran.
The reported discord comes at a time of heightened domestic scrutiny for both leaders. Opponents of the current administration and the Israeli government have both criticized the outcomes of recent diplomatic efforts. Specifically, critics have argued that the interim agreement signed between the US and Iran last week has failed to meet its primary objectives of securing regional peace.
Key Takeaways from the Reported Exchange
- Diplomatic Ultimatum: Trump reportedly threatened a “divorce” between the US and Israel if Netanyahu rejected a Gaza peace plan.
- Personal Criticism: The book claims Trump told Netanyahu that “all the Jews” were tired of his leadership.
- Intelligence Concerns: US agencies reportedly warned Trump that Netanyahu might undermine peace efforts with Iran.
- Strategic Pivot: The relationship shifted from close cooperation in February 2025 to open hostility by September 2025.
As the implications of the reported “divorce” threat continue to be analyzed by geopolitical experts, observers are looking toward the next phase of the interim agreement with Iran to see if it provides a path toward stability or further increases regional friction. Official updates regarding the implementation of the Gaza peace plan are expected in the coming weeks.
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