Trump Blasts Gaza War as 'Wasted Effort' in Escalating Rift with Israel

Tensions are reportedly mounting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over diverging strategies on Gaza and Iran, according to an NBC News report.

While the two leaders were initially aligned on countering Hamas and Iran, their positions have begun to diverge. Trump, who had supported Israel’s military efforts and lifted restrictions on arms shipments, is now urging a ceasefire and proposing a sweeping reconstruction plan to transform Gaza into what he has called the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Privately, Trump has called the renewed offensive in Gaza a “wasted effort,” citing concerns that it could obstruct rebuilding efforts, NBC reports, quoting unnamed U.S. and Middle Eastern officials. Netanyahu, meanwhile, continues to prioritize potential military action against Iran’s nuclear program, putting him at odds with Trump’s preference for diplomatic engagement.

Sources say Netanyahu was frustrated by Trump’s remarks indicating he may allow Iran limited uranium enrichment under a future nuclear agreement. The Israeli leader was also reportedly caught off guard by Trump’s decision to scale back U.S. military operations against Yemen’s Houthis, despite their recent attacks on Israel.

Republican Senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham are pushing for any Iran deal to be ratified by the Senate and to include a complete ban on Iranian uranium enrichment.

Despite the widening rift, a White House spokesperson told NBC that President Trump remains committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

In a related move, the U.S. has reportedly dropped its demand that Saudi Arabia normalize ties with Israel as a precondition for advancing civil nuclear cooperation, signaling a strategic shift ahead of Trump’s planned visit to the kingdom.