(CNN) -- The United States and Israel are on the same side when it comes to Iran, but you might not know it watching the bitter public disagreement that has broken out between the two allies over negotiations with the Islamic Republic. Is this a way for friends to handle their differences? The talks with Iran present enormous challenges for Washington. One of those challenges is to move through the process without damaging existing alliances or weakening America's already diminished standing in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that he thinks the U.S. is falling into an Iranian trap. The White House says it is moving cautiously in the interest of peace and security. The disagreement is tearing at the alliance.
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Frida Ghitis: U.S., Israel on same side on Iran but are at bitter odds on nuclear negotiations
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She says Netanyahu says U.S. falling into trap; Obama says U.S. trying for peace, security
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She says Israel has legitimate existential concerns over nukes in Iran, wants strong deal
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Ghitis: Lest they strengthen their enemies, U.S., Israel need to defend their alliance
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The notion that Netanyahu, that @placeholder, want war with Iran is patently absurd.
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Many @placeholder dislike Netanyahu's style, but they share his concern.
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Today, only 31% of @placeholder think Israel can rely on the U.S. on talks with Iran.
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@placeholder sees Iran and its nuclear program as a challenge to global stability, to the regional balance of power, to nuclear nonproliferation.