U.S. President Donald Trump has described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "his own worst enemy," according to two senior American officials who discussed the Israeli leader with Trump.
The comment, reported by journalist Barak Ravid, reflects growing frustration in Washington over the lack of progress on Gaza-related issues.
The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has experienced significant ups and downs over the years.
Earlier this week, Netanyahu publicly rejected widespread reports that Israel was planning limited withdrawals from the Gaza Strip, and announced Israel's opposition to a 15-point document proposed by a Gaza peace council. Trump responded indirectly to Netanyahu's rejection of the plan by sharing an article written by his 2016 political rival, Hillary Clinton. In the piece, Clinton endorsed Trump's Gaza initiative despite their ongoing political rivalry, calling it "irreplaceable."
Clinton characterized the Trump plan as the "most realistic" option available and stated that no alternative exists, making it the only viable solution currently on the table—sentiments that the president amplified by sharing her article.
The public endorsement from Clinton was curious, given that Trump clashed with her repeatedly over nearly a decade.
