REVEALED: Israeli Cabinet is 'intoxicated' by Donald Trump's shocking Gaza plan - but is it premature?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has responded with both excitement and confusion to President Trump's recent statements about Gaza, according to Israeli officials speaking to Axios.

Key Developments

Trump has taken positions on Gaza that are even more hawkish than Netanyahu's own hardline stance, creating complex dynamics during sensitive ceasefire negotiations. Israeli officials report that this has directly impacted Netanyahu's decision-making process.

"The Israeli government can't be less Trump than Trump on this," a senior Israeli official told Axios following a lengthy security cabinet session Tuesday.

Netanyahu's Growing Confidence

The Israeli leadership appears increasingly convinced that Trump will support their objectives. "Bibi and the cabinet ministers are high on Trump," the senior official revealed. The more extreme members of Netanyahu's government have found particular encouragement in Trump's rhetoric, with some now dismissing the need for Gaza withdrawal discussions or further Hamas negotiations.

During the cabinet session, one official described "a feeling of intoxication in the room, like all of our Gaza problems are now solved because Trump said something."

Trump's Ultimatum

The situation intensified after Trump issued a public ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of all 76 remaining hostages by Saturday noon, declaring that otherwise "all hell will break loose." This statement came after Hamas announced it was suspending the next planned hostage release, citing alleged Israeli ceasefire violations.

Behind Closed Doors

During consultations with Israel's security services and a four-hour security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized what he sees as an unprecedented opportunity with Trump. According to officials present, Netanyahu stated that "Israel is going to have full U.S. backing to destroy Hamas, do whatever it wants in Gaza."

Current Situation

Netanyahu has adopted a middle-ground approach, avoiding direct endorsement of Trump's ultimatum while announcing that Israel would resume military operations if hostages aren't released Saturday, without specifying an exact number.

Concerns and Implications

Some Israeli officials worry this enthusiasm could jeopardize the existing Gaza deal, potentially affecting:

- Nine hostages scheduled for release in the next three weeks, including an American

- Approximately two dozen more hostages waiting for release in a second phase

- The overall ceasefire agreement

Israeli security officials believe Netanyahu has left room to maintain the ceasefire if the three hostages scheduled for Saturday's release are freed. Israel has communicated to Egyptian and Qatari mediators the importance of Hamas adhering to the agreement.

"The chance of a hostage release on Saturday has significantly diminished. This is very worrying. We hope that the mediators will understand the situation and save the deal," an Israeli security official stated.