‘Told Him Not to Do It’: Cracks Appear as Trump, Netanyahu React to Iranian Gas Field Attack

Public tensions have emerged between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves. Trump stated he had told Netanyahu not to repeat such attacks, highlighting a rare divergence between the two allies. ([hindustantimes.com](https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/told-him-not-to-do-it-cracks-appear-as-trump-netanyahu-react-to-iranian-gas-field-attack-101773979217282-amp.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Trump Warned Netanyahu Against Further Strikes

President Trump publicly disclosed that he had advised Netanyahu not to repeat the attack on the Iranian gas field. He emphasized that the US had no direct operational role in the strike, though Israeli officials indicated Washington was aware of the operation. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/despite-trump-comments-israeli-officials-say-us-knew-iran-gas-field-strike-2026-03-19/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Netanyahu Agrees to Pause Further Energy Strikes

Following Trump’s warning, Netanyahu stated that Israel would temporarily halt further attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure. The pause reflects both a tactical reassessment and response to US concerns. ([ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/iran-war-benjamin-netanyahu-says-israel-will-stop-attacks-on-iranian-gas-field-11240574?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Evidence of Diverging Priorities

Analysts note that Trump’s public distancing from the gas field strike suggests a difference in strategic priorities. While Israel had taken an aggressive approach to counter Iran’s influence, the US appeared more cautious about escalating energy infrastructure attacks. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/cd880a355e3873d8175084140581b2c1?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Initial Delays and Reactions

Trump’s comments came hours after the strike, highlighting a delay in immediate US response and signaling possible misalignment in operational decisions between the US and Israel. ([republicworld.com](https://www.republicworld.com/amp/world-news/cracks-in-donald-trump-netanyahu-alliance-us-intel-sources-say-us-israel-not-on-same-page-over-iran-war?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Global Implications

The South Pars gas field strike disrupted global energy markets and provoked regional tensions. The public rift between Trump and Netanyahu raises questions about the coordination of future operations and the stability of US–Israel strategic alignment. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/despite-trump-comments-israeli-officials-say-us-knew-iran-gas-field-strike-2026-03-19/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Conclusion

The dispute over the gas field attack underscores a rare public divergence between two long-standing allies. While Israel continues to pursue its security objectives in the region, the US appears intent on limiting escalation, particularly regarding vital energy infrastructure, setting the stage for careful diplomacy amid ongoing conflict with Iran.