Conservative radio host Mark Levin publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s recent approach toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that the administration’s efforts to push for an agreement ending the Iran conflict have led to unnecessary public and private pressure on one of America’s closest allies.
Levin, one of Trump’s most loyal supporters and a longtime advocate for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, used his syndicated radio program Monday to voice frustration with the president’s handling of communications involving the Israeli leader.
“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.
The conservative commentator also questioned Trump’s public criticism of Netanyahu, whom Levin described as a leader focused on defending his nation during a period of heightened regional tensions.
“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 added.
The comments reflect a rare disagreement between two figures who have generally been aligned throughout Trump’s second term. Levin has consistently defended the president and frequently praised his policies, particularly on matters involving Israel and the Middle East.
During Monday’s broadcast, Levin pointed to the recent cooperation between the United States and Israel during military operations in the region.
“Just a few weeks ago, their fighter jets were fighting right alongside ours,” Levin said. “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.”
Levin’s remarks followed reporting from Axios correspondent Barak Ravid, who wrote that Trump had become angry with Netanyahu over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon last week.
Ravid later reported that Trump told him he planned to urge Netanyahu not to retaliate after Iran launched missiles toward Israel. According to the report, Trump also indicated that Israel would ultimately need to accept whatever agreement his administration negotiates with Iran.
The president emphasized his authority over the diplomatic process during comments reported by the Financial Times.
“I call the shots. I call all the shots,” Trump said. “[Netanyahu] doesn’t call the shots.”
Levin expressed concern about what he viewed as a shift in tone toward Israel after years of close cooperation between the two governments.
“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 criticism is particularly notable given Levin’s history of support for Trump. Over the past year, he has repeatedly defended the president and praised his leadership. Levin notably referred to Trump as the “first Jewish president” during a Hanukkah celebration and strongly supported the administration’s decision to launch military action against Iran.
Trump, for his part, has often returned the praise. The president has publicly described Levin as “THE GREAT ONE” and encouraged supporters to watch his Fox News program. Trump has also defended Levin against critics, including former Fox News host Megyn Kelly, suggesting those attacking Levin were motivated by jealousy.
Despite his criticism of the president’s current strategy, Levin suggested his objections are not only philosophical but practical. He argued that efforts to pressure Netanyahu into accepting terms he opposes are unlikely to succeed.
“I don’t think Netanyahu is going to be pushed into submission,” Levin said. “He can’t.”
Levin concluded that the stakes involved in the ongoing conflict are simply too significant for Israel’s leadership to ignore, underscoring the broader tensions that continue to surround efforts to bring the war to an end through diplomacy rather than continued military escalation.
[READ MORE: Bill Maher Reflects on Charlie Kirk After His Death]
