The White House has delivered a sharp private rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a military strike in Gaza that Washington says breached a ceasefire agreement brokered by President Donald Trump. The incident, which resulted in the death of a senior Hamas military commander, was carried out without prior consultation with the United States, leading to growing frustration within the Trump administration.
Strike Sparks Diplomatic Row
According to U.S. officials cited in an Axios report, the Israeli strike targeted and killed a high-ranking Hamas commander in Gaza City. The critical point of contention is that Israel did not warn or consult Washington before launching the operation. This action is viewed by the U.S. as a direct violation of the ceasefire framework established by President Trump, which aims to de-escalate the conflict and pave the way for broader regional normalization.
The lack of prior notice has reportedly left President Trump "pissed" and has significantly deepened the existing tensions between his administration and the Netanyahu government. The core dispute revolves around differing approaches to managing the Gaza situation while trying to advance the next phase of the ceasefire and expand the landmark Abraham Accords across the Arab world.
Mounting US Frustration and Israeli Justification
American officials indicate that frustration is mounting not just over this single event, but over a pattern of Israel's actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Syria. There is a palpable concern in Washington that continued military operations could completely derail the delicate diplomatic efforts aimed at long-term stability.
The White House is urging Netanyahu to be a "better partner" as the U.S. intensifies its push for de-escalation and regional normalization. This private warning signals an increasing impatience with Israel's unilateral moves, which the U.S. believes jeopardize a larger strategic vision for peace.
In its defense, the Israeli government maintains that the strike was a necessary response to specific violations by Hamas and was, in fact, intended to preserve the integrity of the ceasefire by deterring future attacks. This justification, however, has failed to placate the concerns of the Trump administration.
Implications for US-Israel Relations
The timing of this diplomatic spat is crucial, as Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump later this month. The agenda for their talks is now expected to be dominated by three key issues:
- The future of the Gaza ceasefire and de-escalation efforts.
- Broader regional security challenges.
- The overall state of U.S.-Israel relations, which have been strained by this incident.
This episode highlights the complex balancing act the U.S. faces in supporting its ally Israel while simultaneously pursuing a grand strategy for Middle East peace. The private rebuke underscores that even between close partners, unilateral actions on sensitive matters carry significant diplomatic costs. The upcoming meeting will be a critical test for both leaders as they navigate these choppy waters.
