Press Article: Tensions Rise Between Trump and Netanyahu Over Hostage Situation in Gaza
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, expressed stark frustrations during a meeting on Sunday with former hostages and their families regarding Israel’s handling of the ongoing war in Gaza. Witkoff stated, “We want to bring the hostages home, but Israel is prolonging the conflict. An agreement is essential,” as he highlighted the rift between the U.S. and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
This sentiment comes ahead of the imminent release of Edan Alexander, the last American hostage held by Hamas, further illuminating the U.S.’s unmet expectations from Israel. Former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas suggested that while Trump supports Israel, he is increasingly detached from its leadership, perceiving Netanyahu as an obstacle rather than an ally.
Trump’s recent foreign policy decisions, including a ceasefire with Iranian-backed Houthis that excluded Israel, have drawn criticism. This arrangement, which followed missile strikes on Israel, indicates a potential shift in U.S. diplomacy that many view as detrimental to Israeli security. Reportedly, Trump has also abandoned linking Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions to normalization with Israel, a move seen as prioritizing financial interests over traditional alliances.
As the U.S. approaches key negotiations in Riyadh, concerns mount over the future of Israeli-U.S. relations. Former Israeli ambassador Ilan Baruch noted Trump’s new trajectory challenges the long-standing "shared convictions and mutual strategic interests".
Despite this friction, many in Israel support ending the conflict for the hostages’ release. However, Netanyahu’s far-right coalition complicates his decisions, leaving him torn between maintaining his government’s stability and strengthening ties with Trump. As tensions grow, both leaders may need to navigate this precarious balance to preserve their respective positions.
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