CNN: Trump changes tactics, exerting pressure on Netanyahu over Gaza crisis

US President Donald Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin over their ongoing wars, which he had once claimed he could quickly resolve. The conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine remain unresolved, diminishing Trump’s aspirations for a Nobel Peace Prize and highlighting the limits of his personal approach to foreign policy.

As CNN writes in its report, Trump’s frustration with Netanyahu intensified in July, following airstrikes in Gaza and Syria — including the bombing of a Catholic church and the targeting of government buildings — which drew global condemnation.  

"I think everybody, unless they’re pretty cold-hearted — or worse than that, nuts — there’s nothing you can say other than it’s terrible when you see the kids,” Trump said in Scotland, where he was visiting his golf properties.

According to White House officials, Trump had been disturbed by footage of starving children in Gaza and was eager to raise the issue with Netanyahu. 

“It had already been on his mind before he left,” one official said, noting that Trump was deeply affected by the images. First Lady Melania Trump was also reportedly moved by the scenes and played a role in influencing Trump’s response.

Trump, who is known for his direct, personal diplomacy — including encouraging leaders to text or call him outside normal diplomatic channels — found his usual methods falling short. Although Netanyahu had recently nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, the president’s patience waned as humanitarian conditions worsened. Trump told Netanyahu he may need to approach the war “in a different way,” CNN writes. 

Despite their longstanding but turbulent relationship, Trump’s pressure on Netanyahu is not unprecedented. Former President Joe Biden had also expressed frustration with Netanyahu, accusing him of ignoring US advice during the Gaza conflict. Some Biden officials suspected Netanyahu prolonged the war in hopes that Trump would return to office.

Trump had previously praised Netanyahu, especially following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran. 

“Bibi and I just went through HELL together,” Trump said, backing the Israeli leader over the corruption charges against him. However, by late July, he was on the phone demanding explanations for recent Israeli military actions.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer flew to Scotland to meet Trump and urged him to use his influence to alleviate suffering in Gaza. Over the weekend, Israel announced limited “humanitarian pauses” to allow UN aid deliveries, while continuing military operations elsewhere.

Despite public differences, Trump’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, denied any rift, calling their relationship “stronger than it’s ever been.” 

A White House official also downplayed the tension: “I don’t think having POTUS acknowledge that children are clearly starving represents some major break with Bibi,” they said, reaffirming Trump’s support for Israel’s efforts against Hamas.

By Sabina Mammadli