Axios reports that President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a call, “You’re always so f***ing negative.” The leaders were discussing Trump’s proposed ceasefire and hostage exchange, which Hamas had accepted.
After Hamas agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages and enter into negotiations to end the onslaught in Gaza, Trump called Netanyahu. According to Axios, a US official explained that Netanyahu “told Trump this is nothing to celebrate, and that it doesn’t mean anything.”
The source said Trump responded, “I don’t know why you’re always so f***ing negative. This is a win. Take it.”
While leaks to the press have said Trump is frustrated with Netanyahu, the President has not threatened to leverage US military support for Israel. Without Washington’s support, Israel would be unable to wage war in Gaza or across the Middle East.
Netanyahu has sabotaged multiple efforts by Trump to reach agreements that will de-escalate the crisis across the Middle East. In March, Israel broke a deal brokered by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff that would have ended the genocide in Gaza.
Then, in June, Israel launched an unprovoked war against Iran on the eve of US and Iranian negotiations. Ultimately, Netanyahu was able to draw Trump into the war, derailing the talks with Tehran.
Last month, Netantahyu attempted to assassinate Hamas leadership in Qatar as the officials were meeting to discuss a peace proposal from Trump. The strikes failed to kill the target, but did significant damage to Washington’s relationship with Doha.
After Hamas accepted Trump’s proposal last week, the President called on Tel Aviv to halt attacks in Gaza. However, the Israeli strikes have continued. The Gaza Health Ministry reported on Sunday that Israel had killed 19 Palestinians over the past day.
