Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly acknowledged behind closed doors that his government has little ability to influence US President Donald Trump's decision-making on Iran, a revelation that has fuelled intense online debate over the true nature of the alliance between Washington and Jerusalem.
The reported remarks emerged as the Trump administration pursued indirect negotiations with Iran that have largely sidelined Israel, despite years of close strategic coordination between the two allies. The comments also came after Trump publicly declared that Netanyahu would 'do whatever I want him to do,' further intensifying scrutiny over who holds leverage in the relationship.
