The US and Israeli governments were probably never as distanced from each other in regard to policy as they are now. The gap between them is not only about how to deal with the Iranian negotiations, but more profoundly as to the use of power versus diplomacy. A source from the Israeli prime minister's office spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's considerations when deciding to speak to Congress on March 3, despite US President Barack Obama's objection. According to the source, the prime minister never believed in the desirability of an agreement — he sees Iran as the ultimate evil, determined to destroy Israel with nuclear weapons.

Generally speaking, Netanyahu is not a great believer in international accords. This is particularly true when it comes to possible agreements with the Arab and Muslim worlds — agreements he sees as Munich appeasement agreements of sorts, i.e., failed attempts to appease the enemy. He believes that the other side will always concede once an agreement is reached and, in reality, understands only the language of force. From the onset, Netanyahu would have probably preferred using force against Iran, yet hesitated to initiate an attack himself, following the advice of the security establishment. The better alternative, in his eyes, would be for the United States to attack Iran. This is the reason he is disappointed with Obama, whom he seemingly perceives as a left-wing liberal appeaser.

This reasoning on Iran can construe the philosophical world out of which Netanyahu is operating: a total mistrust of anybody who is hostile to Israel or even not fully in agreement with him. He therefore prefers not only no agreement to a bad agreement, but also no agreement to a good agreement. Netanyahu simply does not trust agreements altogether.

Furthermore, the Congress fiasco demonstrates that Netanyahu has a great belief in the power of words, rhetoric and demagogy. Not unlike other right-wing regimes. On that level, there is an abyss between him and Obama, not to speak of the European Union and the Arab world.