Trump Clashes With Netanyahu Over Iron Dome Credit, Revives Vaccine Grievances

Israel was caught off guard Wednesday by comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system is based on American technology, a claim that is factually incorrect. The short-range rocket interception system was developed and produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli government-owned company.

Speaking during a lengthy address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump discussed a future U.S. air defense initiative he referred to as the “Golden Dome,” which would include space-based interceptors. In that context, he also referenced American assistance to Israel in connection with Iron Dome.

During his remarks, Trump took a public swipe at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying: “What we did for Israel was incredible, but it will be nothing compared to what we are planning for the United States, Canada and the rest of the world. We are building a dome like never before. We did it, we did it for Israel. I told Bibi, ‘Bibi, stop taking credit for the dome. This is our technology. It’s ours.’”

Despite the inaccuracy of the statement, Israeli officials do not currently intend to publicly correct or embarrass the U.S. president, Ynet reported.

It is possible Trump confused American financial assistance with technological ownership, or conflated Iron Dome with Israel’s interest in participating in the U.S.-led Golden Dome initiative, an ambitious program aimed at intercepting ballistic missiles from space. Trump may have been reacting to what he perceived as Israeli efforts to take credit for aspects of that future system, without distinguishing between the two projects.

In the early stages of Iron Dome’s development, the United States sought to push Israel toward selecting the American company Nautilus for the project, but Israeli officials at the time believed the proposal was premature. The system ultimately moved forward under Israeli engineers, many of whom have since retired, even before a factory for interceptor production existed. U.S. assistance later helped fund interceptor procurement through aid programs.

Israel’s broader missile defense architecture does include joint projects with the United States. The Arrow system is a collaboration between Israel Aerospace Industries and Boeing, while David’s Sling was jointly developed by Rafael and Raytheon. Both systems operate under the Israel Missile Defense Organization within the Defense Ministry, and Raytheon is also expected to participate in future production related to Iron Dome interceptors.

After the U.S. Army announced in February 2019 that it would purchase Iron Dome systems, Netanyahu said: “A great achievement for Israel. This is another expression of the strengthening of our solid alliance with the United States and of Israel’s rising status in the world. Israel has an Iron Dome and an iron fist. Our systems know how to deal with any threat, both defensively and offensively. I would not recommend that our enemies test us.”

Trump’s frustration with Netanyahu did not begin with Iron Dome. The president has previously expressed resentment over what he claimed was Netanyahu taking credit for securing Pfizer coronavirus vaccines for Israel. Trump has said on multiple occasions that he personally approved Pfizer’s decision to send vaccines to Israel, despite requests from leaders around the world.

“He doesn’t give me credit,” Trump was heard saying in a conversation with Israeli businesspeople who visited his Florida resort after his first term. During that exchange, Trump reportedly mocked Netanyahu, leaving those present with the impression that the president was genuinely angry.

At the time, Trump also accused Netanyahu of being the first world leader to congratulate Joe Biden on his 2020 election victory, a claim that was incorrect. In reality, Netanyahu was among the last leaders to issue congratulations and was criticized domestically for the delay.