Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dedicated his career to rallying American public opinion against Iran's nuclear ambitions. However, the operational decision to launch the strike was solely that of President Donald Trump. Netanyahu neither pushed Trump to act nor revealed sensitive information, just as Trump safeguarded Israel's secrets. This reflects the fruits of their close coordination.
When Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer returned from his first meeting with the newly elected President Trump, his message to Netanyahu was concise: "We are on the same page." In Hebrew, this meant Trump fully aligned with Israel's perspective. The hostages must be freed, Hamas must be removed from Gaza, and Israel must have freedom of action to ensure its security against Lebanon. Ammunition would be supplied, sanctions on Israeli citizens would be lifted, and the fight against antisemitism in America would be uncompromising. Most critically, Iran would not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons – period.
This alignment was not a given. During the 2024 campaign, unlike in 2016, Trump maintained rhetorical distance from Israel for various reasons. Thus, there was no guarantee that upon returning to the White House in January 2025, he would act as he did in 2017. Yet, he did exactly that. With few words and a long chain of actions, Trump fulfilled every commitment – from declaring that he wants to turn Gaza into a "Riviera" to vetoing anti-Israel resolutions at the UN and more and more.
Did not surrender to isolationists
Critics who misunderstood Trump's moves claimed isolationist forces had taken over his administration or that he had changed his stance. Nothing could be further from the truth. Trump briefly disappointed Netanyahu by extending negotiations with Iran a few weeks longer than he had expected. Additionally, an early misstep by Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who agreed to Iran enriching uranium at 3%, sparked concern. Dermer and Mossad chief David Barnea swiftly put out the fire – literally by flying – to correct this.
These were exceptions. Trump and Netanyahu spoke countless times in recent weeks, nearly daily since Israel launched Operation Rising Lion. Their coordination was seamless, with Trump fully supporting Israel's deception tactics in the days leading up to its strike on Iran. Similarly, Israel feigned ignorance about the timing of US B2 stealth bomber strikes on the Fordow nuclear facility. Both sides knew the plans, yet no secrets leaked – a testament to their perfect alignment. Trump honored all his promises, including those regarding Iran. As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted, Trump acted only after Israel "did the dirty work."
Israel's success helped Trump
The IDF's remarkable success spared Trump much deliberation. Still, his decision to strike Iran's nuclear program stemmed from his long-standing recognition of its danger. As early as 2011, well before entering politics, Trump warned about Iran's nuclear threat. From 2015 onward, as a candidate and later president, he reiterated this stance repeatedly. This conviction led him to withdraw from Barack Obama's flawed nuclear deal in 2018 and, more recently, to demand Iran cease all uranium enrichment – by agreement or by force.
Netanyahu, with masterful management, avoided pressuring Trump into action or giving the impression that Israel was dragging America into war. He undoubtedly discussed Iran's dangers, the historic opportunity created by the collapse of Iran's regional axis, the favorable conditions following Israel's recent actions, and the US Air Force's military advantages over Israel's.
Video: Netanyahu's video message in English / Credit: PMO
His lifelong advocacy against Iran profoundly shaped US perceptions. It can be assumed that not only masses of ordinary Americans, but also many decision-makers internalized Netanyahu's repeated warnings about the Iranian danger. As the only non-American leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, Netanyahu had consistently highlighted Iran's threat in each of these appearances, just like he did in various other platforms.
Ultimately, the decision was Trump's alone. He acted at the right moment to protect America, its Middle Eastern allies, the Jewish people, and Israel. Learning from history, Trump avoided Franklin Roosevelt's grave error 90 years ago, when isolationist pressures prevented an early confrontation with the Nazis despite their global threat. By acting decisively, Trump preempted catastrophe and did a great service to humanity. One can only hope humanity will recognize his contribution.
