The Tightrope of Politics
Trump's Shocking Outburst: The Real Reason He's Fuming Over Netanyahu and Gaza
U.S. President Donald Trump's private outburst over Netanyahu's handling of Gaza operations, particularly following an Israeli strike in Doha, signals growing tensions in their relationship.
The normally steadfast alliance between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly under unprecedented strain, with Trump privately expressing fury over Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza. According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump's frustration reached a boiling point following a recent, uncoordinated Israeli strike in Doha, Qatar.
The strike, which targeted Hamas leadership, has been described by sources as a major point of contention. Trump, who has been a vocal supporter of Israel, allegedly views the operation as reckless and counterproductive to his administration’s peace efforts. During a heated meeting with top advisors, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump reportedly lashed out, making an expletive-laced remark about Netanyahu: “He’s f***g me,” he allegedly said, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The comment underscores a growing divide in strategy. While Trump has reportedly been pushing for a negotiated ceasefire, he believes Netanyahu is relying too heavily on military force to achieve his goals. The Wall Street Journal report indicates that Trump contacted Netanyahu twice after the Qatar incident: first to voice his displeasure, and a second time to inquire about the operation's success. He also reportedly reached out to Qatari leaders to commend their ongoing mediation efforts.
A Complicated Public Stance
Despite the reported private anger, Trump has yet to publicly rebuke Netanyahu or alter the flow of U.S. military aid to Israel. This has puzzled some observers in Washington. Shalom Lipner, a veteran advisor to multiple Israeli prime ministers, described Trump’s approach as "baffling and counterintuitive," noting that Netanyahu's actions have complicated Trump's broader diplomatic goals, including the expansion of the Abraham Accords.
However, the political bond between the two leaders remains deeply intertwined. Omer Dostri, a former Netanyahu spokesperson, described their relationship as "very, very tight," suggesting that reports of a rift are part of a broader media strategy. Both men are seen by many as political outsiders who view themselves as battling entrenched elites, a shared perspective that has historically kept their alliance strong.
A senior Israeli official dismissed the reports of a rift as “fake news,” insisting the relationship between the two leaders remains “excellent.”
The Domestic Political Landscape
For now, the two leaders continue their delicate political dance. While Trump remains committed to his diplomatic goals, Netanyahu, in a clear gesture of goodwill, recently appeared at a ceremony in Bat Yam to name a promenade after the former president.
According to former Israeli ambassador to Washington Michael Oren, the heart of the matter may simply be a matter of success.
“If our operation in Doha succeeded,” Oren told the Journal, “Trump wouldn’t have condemned it; he would have taken credit for it.”
The failure of the mission, rather than the act itself, may be what truly fueled Trump's ire.