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United States President Donald Trump has become frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling aides that the Israeli leader is undermining his push for a negotiated ceasefire by pressing ahead with a military campaign to force Hamas into surrender, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Trump’s anger spiked last week after Israel struck Hamas negotiators in Qatar, threatening fragile talks. “He’s f—ing me,” Trump said of Netanyahu, according to officials familiar with the exchange.
Despite the sharp private remarks, Trump has avoided public confrontation. He continues to highlight his role in brokering the Abraham Accords and has praised Netanyahu as a partner, even as Israel escalates its offensive in Gaza City.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Israel this week without offering fresh criticism.
Analysts told the Wall Street Journal that Trump’s reluctance to break openly with Netanyahu reflects political calculation and personal ties.
Netanyahu remains popular among Republicans and conservative media, while his government has cultivated Trump with gestures such as dedicating a seaside promenade in his name.
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“Netanyahu knows that, while the White House may grumble a bit, there really is no downside to an ‘ask forgiveness, not permission’ approach,” said Damian Murphy, a former Senate Foreign Relations Committee aide.
For now, Trump’s pressure remains on Hamas, warning the group that it faces further violence unless it frees hostages and disarms.
But observers say Netanyahu’s strategy of pursuing battlefield victory runs counter to Trump’s desire for a diplomatic success he can claim on the global stage.
Former Israeli ambassador Michael Oren said Trump’s frustrations could be fleeting.
“The chances are, if our operation in Doha succeeded, Trump wouldn’t have condemned it; he would have taken credit for it,” Oren said. “He likes winners.”
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