Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast Understanding the Trump-Netanyahu war relationship
Mar 19, 2026
John Heilemann, political journalist and Puck columnist with a knack for national affairs analysis. He unpacks Trump's surprising social media reaction to attacks on Persian Gulf energy sites. He explores whether Israel coordinated strikes with the U.S. and why Netanyahu might benefit from escalating conflict. He contrasts shifting U.S. public support with enduring Israeli security concerns.
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Trump Reacts Publicly To Gas Field Attacks
- Donald Trump publicly framed the South Pars gas field attacks as surprising to the U.S. while threatening massive retaliation.
- John Heilemann says Trump is likely flailing and misstating coordination with Israel, signaling a president reacting to market shocks rather than strategy.
Start By Acknowledging Divergent US Interests
- If the U.S. wants a diplomatic exit, Heilemann suggests recognizing divergence with Israel and asserting U.S. limits publicly, as Trump briefly did.
- He warns this step is only a first move and will require sustained diplomatic effort to negotiate an exit.
Israel Likely Coordinated Rather Than Surprised The US
- Israel has been communicating and pressuring the U.S. rather than surprising it, according to reporting John Heilemann cites.
- Heilemann argues it's unlikely Netanyahu surprised Trump given U.S. military dependence and routine coordination.