The Atlantic: Trump sees Netanyahu extending Gaza war to secure political power

According to two administration officials who spoke to The Atlantic, President Trump has come to believe what many in Washington have suspected for months: that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is deliberately prolonging the conflict in Gaza, contrary to Trump’s desire for a swift end to the war.

Trump and some of his aides think Israel’s military goals in Gaza were largely achieved some time ago, but Netanyahu has continued the offensive—resulting in tens of thousands of civilian deaths—to preserve his own political power. The White House also suspects that Netanyahu is taking actions that obstruct the possibility of a cease-fire agreement.

However, the officials do not expect Trump to hold Netanyahu accountable in any substantive way. Despite feeling disrespected by Netanyahu, Trump’s frustration has not led to any major changes in U.S. policy.

The president has primarily blamed Hamas for the recent collapse of cease-fire negotiations and has resisted joining Britain and France in threatening to recognise a Palestinian state if Israel does not improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or commit to peace talks. A White House official emphasised that “there is no significant rupture” between Trump and Netanyahu, adding that allies can sometimes disagree strongly.

On the morning following the report, Trump appeared to set aside differences by posting on Truth Social, urging Hamas to surrender and release hostages as the fastest way to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Two other U.S. officials explained that Trump’s readiness to publicly challenge Netanyahu stems less from a break between the two leaders and more from Trump’s “America First” stance—insisting that U.S. foreign policy not be dictated by Israel or any other foreign power. Trump is sceptical of Netanyahu’s account of conditions in Gaza and the new Syrian government. During his upcoming visit to Israel, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff has been tasked with independently assessing the humanitarian situation and evaluating the effectiveness of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an American nonprofit formed this year to distribute aid in the Strip.

Officials have discussed urging Israel to significantly increase the volume of food and supplies allowed into Gaza, accepting that some aid might be diverted by Hamas, but ensuring sufficient aid reaches civilians. They are also pushing for a halt to Israeli strikes on civilian areas.

One official noted that Trump’s impatience is mainly with Hamas, not Netanyahu. Trump continues to hold Hamas responsible for initiating the conflict and has broadly supported Israel’s position, including promoting a vision of a postwar Gaza as a “Riviera of the Middle East.” When asked about Britain’s plans to recognise a Palestinian state, Trump dismissed the idea as “rewarding Hamas.” Just last week, following a call with Netanyahu, Trump said Israel must “finish the job” by eliminating Hamas, which he accused of blocking hostage release deals.

Ultimately, Trump wants the war to end. He is aware that noninterventionist voices within the MAGA movement are growing increasingly critical of U.S. involvement in a distant conflict. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene became the first Republican to label the Gaza situation a “genocide.” Influencers like Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson have also condemned Israel.

Trump and his close circle are cautious about alienating his core supporters, who were already upset by the administration’s recent Iran strike and the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Trump was surprised when some lawmakers and media figures defied his directive to downplay the Epstein controversy, which continues to dominate news cycles.

Netanyahu’s defiance has further strained Trump’s base and frustrated the president by generating news stories he cannot control.

“He just really wants these stories off the air,” said an outside adviser.

By Tamilla Hasanova