Trump Cuts Off Netanyahu, Plans Independent Gaza Strategy Without Israel
Amid growing frustration with Netanyahu, Trump eyes a unilateral plan to end the Gaza war, signaling a major shift in U.S.-Israel relations.
Watan-Israeli Army Radio reported that close associates of U.S. President Donald Trump informed Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer that Trump has decided to cut off communication with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Meanwhile, Hebrew media quoted American and Arab officials on Thursday saying that Trump may announce a comprehensive plan to resolve the situation in Gaza—including an end to the war—as early as this weekend.
According to Israel Hayom, citing three unnamed U.S. and Arab officials, “The likelihood of Trump announcing a comprehensive solution for Gaza, including an end to the war, this weekend is very high.”
Trump Freezes Out Netanyahu Over Manipulation Claims and Gaza Policy Disputes
The officials noted that the proposed solution is being developed with only partial input from Israel and may not meet all of its demands.
Army Radio also reported that Trump’s associates told Dermer that Netanyahu is manipulating the U.S. president, and emphasized that what Trump hates most is appearing to be manipulated.
An Israeli official was quoted saying that Minister Dermer’s typically arrogant approach in his talks with senior Republican figures proved ineffective.
These developments followed an earlier Israel Hayom report stating that Trump feels “disappointed” with Netanyahu and intends to move forward with Middle East initiatives “without waiting for him.”
Trump Breaks from Netanyahu Despite Past Support, Moves Ahead with Solo Mideast Steps
Nevertheless, Israel Hayom reported a noticeable decline in the personal relationship between the two leaders, with sources citing mutual disappointment.
Two senior Trump associates reportedly said in private conversations that Trump has decided not to wait for Israel any longer and is moving forward with regional steps independently.
The nature of these steps remains unclear, but Israeli officials have expressed concern over Trump’s tendency to act without coordinating with Israel—most recently demonstrated by a ceasefire deal reached between the U.S. and Yemen’s Houthis, which excluded Israel and was announced without prior notice to Tel Aviv.
