In a pivotal Monday phone call, President Donald Trump pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring a swift and permanent end to the war in Gaza, warning that prolonged conflict undermines U.S. efforts to negotiate with Iran and secure Saudi-Israeli normalization. While Trump emphasized that the war should conclude "the sooner the better," he stopped short of threatening to cut off U.S. military aid, which is a critical lifeline for Israel’s military operations. The conversation highlights growing tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv as civilian casualties mount in Gaza and international condemnation intensifies.
A call for permanent peace, not temporary pauses
Trump reportedly rejected the so-called "Witkoff framework," a proposed 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of roughly half the hostages held by Hamas, deeming it insufficient. Instead, he pushed for a complete and lasting resolution to the conflict. According to Israeli media, Trump argued that ending Gaza hostilities would strengthen his administration’s hand in nuclear negotiations with Iran and advance the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The president’s stance reflects a strategic shift, prioritizing regional stability over unconditional support for Israel’s military campaign. However, Trump’s refusal to leverage U.S. military aid despite Israel’s heavy reliance on American weapons undermines his demand for peace.
Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe continues
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Israeli forces recently killed at least 61 Palestinians, including 39 aid seekers, in a single day. The staggering death toll, which is largely made up of civilians, has drawn accusations of genocide and war crimes. Despite global outrage, the U.S. continues to supply Israel with arms, enabling what many describe as a disproportionate and indiscriminate assault on Palestinian civilians.
Trump’s call for restraint contrasts sharply with Netanyahu’s stated goal of eradicating Hamas, regardless of the human cost. The Israeli prime minister has repeatedly dismissed ceasefire proposals, insisting on total military victory. Yet, with most Israeli hostages feared dead and mounting domestic pressure for their return, Netanyahu faces dwindling political and moral justifications for prolonging the war.
Trump also reportedly warned Netanyahu against escalating tensions with Iran, ruling out military strikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities while diplomatic talks continue. "If they don’t make a deal, they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon," Trump told the New York Post. "But it would be nicer to do it without warfare, without people dying."
Netanyahu, however, remains skeptical of Iran’s intentions, insisting that a credible military threat must remain on the table. The disagreement underscores a deepening rift between the two leaders, with Trump prioritizing diplomacy and Netanyahu advocating for confrontation.
The U.S. role in enabling Israel’s war machine
The U.S.’s unwavering military support for Israel has drawn fierce criticism, with progressives and human rights groups condemning Washington’s complicity in Gaza’s devastation. As the war drags on, the moral and strategic costs for the U.S. grow deeper. By bankrolling Israel’s offensive, America risks alienating allies, emboldening adversaries, and perpetuating a conflict that destabilizes the entire region.
Trump’s demand for a permanent Gaza ceasefire signals a rare moment of U.S. pressure on Israel, yet his refusal to wield America’s leverage in the form of military aid renders the plea toothless. The war’s horrific toll demands more than rhetoric; it requires concrete action to halt the bloodshed.
Sources for this article include:
ZeroHedge.com
CNN.com
TimesOfIsrael.com
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