An NBC News report highlights growing friction between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu regarding their diverging strategies on Gaza and Iran.
While Trump and Netanyahu originally appeared to be in sync in their stance toward Hamas and the Iranian threat, their positions have begun to shift apart. Trump had initially authorized the flow of weapons to Israel and gave his backing to the military campaign. However, sources say he now favors a ceasefire and is promoting a vision to transform Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
According to individuals familiar with the situation, Trump has conveyed privately that Israel’s renewed military campaign in Gaza is counterproductive, arguing that it will ultimately complicate any serious plans for post-war recovery. The article cites unnamed American and regional officials who describe Netanyahu as increasingly focused on preparing for possible strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, while Trump is pushing for negotiations to block Iran from developing nuclear arms. Netanyahu is reportedly unhappy about Trump’s comments indicating he has not yet made a final decision on allowing Iran any level of uranium enrichment in a potential agreement.
The report also reveals that Netanyahu was surprised by Trump’s move to halt U.S. military engagement against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, even after the Houthis launched attacks against Israel. Netanyahu had anticipated a firmer show of American military support during his most recent meeting at the White House.
Trump, according to insiders, has expressed disappointment with Israel’s resumed offensive in Gaza, warning that it could derail any meaningful reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, Senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham are urging that any future agreement with Iran be subjected to Senate approval and completely prohibit any Iranian uranium enrichment.
Despite these differences, a White House official told NBC News that Trump is unwavering in his aim to block Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and continues to back Israel’s mission to secure the release of hostages from Gaza.
In another significant diplomatic shift, reports suggest that the United States is no longer requiring Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with Israel as a prerequisite for advancing nuclear cooperation. This change in approach is taking place as Trump prepares for a high-level visit to the Saudi kingdom.
Arabic-language sources further report that Trump is expected to hold talks in Saudi Arabia with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Syrian President Abu Mohammad al-Julani. The invitation for such a meeting reportedly originated from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is aiming to gain U.S. approval for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
{Matzav.com}