‘Bibi’s hair on fire’: reported Trump‑Netanyahu split concealed joint stance against Iran, analyst claims

(SeaPRwire) –   A prominent defense analyst stated Sunday that increasing leaks and strained phone conversations between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which implied a rift over Iran, were actually a deliberate strategic maneuver designed to maintain uncertainty in Tehran.

This public demonstration, which conveyed U.S. diplomatic restraint while seemingly sidelining Jerusalem, secretly prepared the foundation for a united stance, according to the analyst.

Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute, indicated that the strategy reached its peak in a weekend synchronization phase, with Trump and Netanyahu demonstrating complete accord by Sunday.

Axios previously reported on Thursday that a contentious phone call between the two leaders centered on an updated U.S. proposal conveyed to Iran through Pakistan, a plan Netanyahu reportedly dismissed, preferring renewed military intervention to weaken Tehran’s infrastructure.

Following the discussion, a U.S. source informed the publication that Netanyahu was reportedly furious.

Concurrently, weekend accounts indicated that Israeli leaders were being excluded from U.S.-Iran talks after Netanyahu’s earlier advocacy for a joint effort to overthrow the Iranian government did not come to fruition.

Netanyahu ended his silence on Sunday, using X to express complete solidarity with the White House and present a united front.

“The collaboration between our two nations has been demonstrated in conflict and is currently at its strongest point,” Netanyahu posted on X. “My stance, mirroring President Trump’s, is unwavering: Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.”

Michael interpreted the apparent public disagreement and deliberate leaks as a calculated tactical diversion intended to catch Tehran off guard.

Michael stated, “Neither President Trump nor Prime Minister Netanyahu desires any actual crisis, but by disseminating reports of a disagreement between them, the Iranians could be caught off guard by the timing of a subsequent military strike.”

He added, “The leak fostered an impression of discord between the two leaders, portraying Trump as the one offering a further opportunity for diplomatic resolution despite pressure from Prime Minister Netanyahu.”

“Trump comprehends the nature of the Iranians.”

The ultimate alignment occurred after a weekend phone conversation where Trump assured Netanyahu that any eventual accord with Iran would completely dismantle Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.

Netanyahu further mentioned that Trump “reiterated Israel’s prerogative to defend itself against threats from all directions, including Lebanon.”

An official statement indicated that Washington has been informing Jerusalem about discussions “regarding a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and to commence negotiations towards a conclusive agreement on outstanding contentious issues.”

Subsequent to the Sunday call, Netanyahu also expressed gratitude to Trump for his “extraordinary dedication to Israel’s security.”

Michael added, “Netanyahu’s recent post concerning his latest discussion with Trump can be interpreted as the definitive conclusion to this strategic misdirection and any allegations.”

“This aims to ready the Israeli populace for the understanding that all actions were thoroughly coordinated with the U.S., and that diplomatic progress will benefit Israeli interests.”

However, Michael noted that doubts persisted in Jerusalem regarding whether the differences between the U.S. and Iran would be resolved, or if “Trump would concede to the Iranian stance.”