Conservative radio host Mark Levin used his syndicated program on June 8 to accuse President Donald Trump of “bashing” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—saying Trump is “deeply desperate” for an Iran deal and is taking frustration out on an ally. Levin
Mark Levin didn’t wait for the talking points to cool before turning on Donald Trump—telling listeners on Monday, June 8 that the president is “deeply desperate” for an Iran deal and “bashing” Benjamin Netanyahu as that pressure spills over.
On his syndicated radio program, Levin said he doesn’t understand why Trump keeps going to “left-wing reporters” to discuss “confidential conversations” with the prime minister of Israel, or why he keeps “bashing” Netanyahu—calling it something he “didn’t like… one bit.”
“What I don’t know why the president of the United States feels the need to keep going to left-wing reporters and talking about confidential conversations he has with the prime minister of Israel. ” Levin said. “And I don’t know why he keeps bashing the prime minister of Israel. who’s trying to protect his country and his own people.”.
Levin’s argument centered on timing and teamwork. He pointed back to a period when Israeli forces were fighting alongside the U.S. during operations involving the Mossad and the CIA.
“Just a few weeks ago, their fighter jets were fighting right alongside ours. The Mossad was working with the CIA. And, of course, the prime minister was working with the president in what was a spectacular military operation,” he added.
His comments came after reporting that described Trump “lashed out” at Netanyahu following Israel’s military operation in Lebanon. In that account, Israel said the strikes were retaliation for a prior Hezbollah attack on Israeli territory. The situation, Levin suggested, has moved from coordination to confrontation.
The Iran angle has been part of the pressure cooker, too. Iran reportedly threatened to withdraw from U.S. nuclear talks over the operation. and two sources said Trump called Netanyahu “crazy” during a call while accusing him of being ungrateful. The reports also said Trump blocked Israel’s planned strike on Beirut.
A second U.S. official described the interaction differently, saying Trump “steamrolled” Netanyahu during the conversation. Netanyahu reportedly backed down, saying, “OK, OK, just make sure everything is taken care of.”
Trump’s own words have framed the dynamic in terms of control. Over the weekend. he told Axios correspondent Barak Ravid he would pressure Netanyahu to hold off on retaliating after Iran fired missiles at Israel. Hours later. Trump said Israel would have “no choice” but to accept whatever deal he reaches with Tehran. adding. “I call the shots. I call all the shots,” in comments to the Financial Times. Trump also said Netanyahu “doesn’t call the shots.”.
Levin returned to that contradiction on his radio show, blasting Ravid as Trump’s favorite leak and calling it “ridiculous” that the president was pressing Israel to fight on defense.
“I know the president is deeply desperate for a deal. The Iranians know he’s deeply desperate for a deal. The whole world knows he’s deeply desperate for a deal. Got it,” Levin said. “But the problem is, the state of Israel is in the neighborhood.”
He added that he couldn’t understand the apparent reversal in treatment of an ally.
“I don’t know why we beat up on an ally like this, after praising them and embracing them and supporting them,” Levin said.
The sharp break is striking because Levin has been among Trump’s steady supporters. He previously praised the president as the “first Jewish president,” and he backed the administration’s military action against Iran.
Trump, for his part, has reciprocated the loyalty. He referred to Levin as “the great one,” encouraged MAGA fans to watch his Fox News show, and dismissed Levin’s critics—including Megyn Kelly—as “jealous” haters.
Now, with Levin publicly charging that Trump’s Iran-deal desperation is colliding with Israel’s immediate security reality, their once-solid alignment is under direct strain—right at the moment both sides’ next moves appear to be measured in calls, public remarks, and retaliations that can’t wait.
Mark Levin Donald Trump Benjamin Netanyahu Iran deal Lebanon strikes Hezbollah Mossad CIA Barak Ravid Fox News MAGA United States Israel relations
Mark Levin is always mad about something.
So Trump is just “bashing” Netanyahu because he’s stressed about Iran?? Like… ok. I feel like both sides are blaming each other again.
I don’t even get why he’s talking to “left-wing reporters.” Aren’t all reporters basically the same, tho? Also if they were “working together” last few weeks then why is it suddenly a confrontation, unless the CIA/Mossad changed the plan or something. Sounds like Levin is guessing.
This whole thing is so desperate it’s ridiculous. If Trump wants an Iran deal he should stop arguing with our ally, because that just makes it easier for Iran/Hezbollah to do whatever they want. And the article says Netanyahu was “bashing” back or something? Honestly I lost track, but Levin’s right that it’s spilling over.