President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will follow his direction regarding policy toward Iran [1].
The statement underscores a shift in the diplomatic dynamic between the U.S. and Israel, suggesting a more directive approach from the White House in managing Middle East tensions.
Trump made the comments following a phone call between the White House and the Israeli prime minister's office on May 20, 2026 [1], [2]. During the exchange, the U.S. president focused on the strategic alignment of the two nations in confronting Iranian influence. "Netanyahu will do whatever I want him to do," Trump said [1], [2].
Beyond the Middle East, the president addressed the administration's approach to East Asia and the ongoing security relationship with Taiwan. Trump indicated that the U.S. would not move forward with weapons transfers without first coordinating with Taipei's leadership.
"I'll speak to President Lai Ching-te before making a decision on arms sales to Taiwan," Trump said [3].
This approach to arms sales suggests a transactional or consultative framework for security assistance, a departure from previous standardized procurement processes. The president's remarks tie the stability of two separate geopolitical flashpoints to his personal relationships with foreign heads of state.
The White House has not yet released a formal policy paper detailing the specific demands made of the Israeli government during the May 20 call [1]. However, the public assertion of control over Netanyahu's actions signals a desire for a unified front against Iran's regional activities [2].
“"Netanyahu will do whatever I want him to do."”
These statements indicate a leadership style that prioritizes personal diplomacy and direct influence over traditional institutional channels. By linking the actions of the Israeli prime minister and the Taiwanese president to his own decision-making, Trump is signaling to global adversaries that US foreign policy is centralized in the presidency and dependent on specific bilateral agreements.
