Netanyahu Has Just Crossed the Line with Trump
An unexpected moment at a press conference leaves questions hanging — and Trump’s reaction could be explosive.
During a press conference on Sunday, August 10, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a notable blunder while addressing the Israeli public about his decision to abandon ceasefire negotiations with Hamas and his vision for the Gaza Strip. The conference followed an earlier session for foreign media, where Netanyahu outlined his strategy to prioritize military control over Gaza City. While taking questions from the press, he inadvertently thanked “our great friend, President Biden” for supporting his decisions, before being corrected by the audience.
Netanyahu was discussing the rationale behind forgoing talks with Hamas, stating, “This was the right decision. I am greatly thankful and value our great friend, President Biden, yes.” As the audience reacted, pointing out the error, he trailed off, visibly distracted, before apologizing and correcting himself, saying, “Trump, in this case.” He added, “There is a difference, in the end,” acknowledging the mix-up between the current U.S. President Donald Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden.
The slip-up comes at a sensitive time, as Netanyahu has been navigating complex relations with the U.S. administration under Trump, who has publicly backed Israel’s aggressive stance against Hamas. The gaffe sparked immediate reactions on social media, with some speculating it reflected lingering habits from Biden’s tenure, during which Netanyahu frequently engaged with the former president. Others viewed it as a minor but embarrassing misstep, given Trump’s vocal support for Israel’s current policies, including his controversial proposal for the U.S. to “take over” Gaza for redevelopment.
The incident underscores the high-pressure environment surrounding Israel’s Gaza strategy and its reliance on U.S. support, as Netanyahu seeks to balance domestic expectations with international alliances.