Reports reveal a growing rift between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fueled by the latter's handling of the Gaza conflict. A recent Wall Street Journal article cites unnamed officials detailing Trump's intense frustration, particularly regarding an uncoordinated Israeli strike on Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar. The report alleges Trump expressed his anger with a profanity-laced outburst directed at Netanyahu, highlighting the deepening strain on the traditionally strong US-Israel alliance.
The tension stems from differing approaches to resolving the Gaza conflict. Trump reportedly favors a negotiated ceasefire, while Netanyahu's reliance on military action is seen by Trump as reckless and counterproductive to peace efforts. This frustration manifested in multiple phone calls from Trump to Netanyahu, initially expressing disapproval and later inquiring about the mission's success. Interestingly, Trump also contacted Qatari leaders to commend their mediation efforts, further underscoring the divergence in strategies.
Experts weigh in on the escalating tensions. Shalom Lipner, a veteran adviser to several Israeli prime ministers, describes Netanyahu's approach as baffling, arguing it has prolonged the conflict, alienated US allies, and undermined Trump's efforts to expand the Abraham Accords. This isn't the first instance of Trump expressing harsh sentiments towards Netanyahu; previous reports detail similar outbursts following Netanyahu's congratulatory message to Joe Biden after the 2020 election.
Despite the apparent friction, several sources attempt to downplay the significance of the reported rift. A senior Israeli official dismissed the claims as "fake news," while others emphasize the strong bond between the two leaders, describing their shared outsider perspective as a unifying factor. Omer Dostri, a former Netanyahu spokesperson, even suggested the reports are a calculated media strategy.
However, the article also highlights Netanyahu's significant support within the Republican party, emphasizing his strong ties with Republican lawmakers and appearances on conservative media outlets like Fox News and Newsmax. This robust support contrasts with growing criticism of Israel's Gaza policy within the Republican party, with some MAGA-aligned lawmakers accusing Israel of excessive force, even using terms like "genocide." This internal division within the Republican party complicates Trump's position, making any public distancing from Netanyahu a complex political calculation.
The article concludes by highlighting Netanyahu's efforts to maintain a positive relationship with Trump, including a recent ceremony honoring Trump in Israel. Yet, the underlying tension remains, leaving the future of the US-Israel relationship uncertain amidst conflicting approaches to the Gaza conflict and growing internal divisions within the United States.
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Originally published at: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-867856
