A noticeable evolution in President Donald Trump’s tone, from staunch ally to stern critic, has set a tense stage for his Monday meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This shift suggests a growing frustration in Washington and a new willingness to publicly pressure the Israeli leader over the Gaza peace process.
For years, the Trump-Netanyahu relationship was characterized by unwavering public support. However, the protracted Gaza war has introduced a new dynamic. Trump, eager for a diplomatic solution, has recently issued several public warnings to Netanyahu that would have been rare in the past.
Last week, Trump cautioned Netanyahu against annexing the West Bank and openly opposed a recent Israeli strike on Hamas members in Qatar. These admonitions signal that the “blank check” era of U.S. support may be over and that Trump is prepared to be more assertive in pursuing American interests, which he currently defines as securing a Gaza peace deal.
This tougher stance is designed to make Netanyahu reconsider his refusal to halt his military campaign. By creating a sense of distance and potential consequences, Trump hopes to make the U.S.-backed peace plan a more attractive option for the Israeli government.
The White House meeting will be the ultimate test of this new approach. Netanyahu is a seasoned political operator accustomed to navigating international pressure. The key question is whether Trump’s evolved tone is a temporary tactic or a fundamental shift in the U.S.-Israel relationship, and how Netanyahu will respond to this new reality.