Secretary of State Marco Rubio's comments about Israel were controversial as they effectively blamed Israel for drawing the US into war with Iran, marking the first time a Trump official had explicitly acknowledged Israel as a driving force behind the war. This comes at a time when public support for Israel is at historic lows. Rubio's remarks were widely interpreted as making the U.S. appear subordinate to Israel's interests, and inflaming MAGA elites who had previously criticized President Trump's decision to go to war. Some critics argue that the perception that Israel forced the US to attack Iran has been distasteful. Despite this, some traditional Trump allies believe the White House's messaging has been muddled and that Israel had been urging Trump to strike Iran since December. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously been encouraged by President Trump to do so without his approval.