Report: Trump Suspects Netanyahu Is Prolonging Gaza War for Political Gain
White House sources say the president believes Israel has achieved its goals; frustrated by images from Gaza and Netanyahu’s public statements
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U.S. President Donald Trump has recently begun to suspect that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza for political reasons, according to White House sources cited in a report published Thursday by The Atlantic.
According to the sources, Trump and several of his advisors believe that Israel reached its military objectives in Gaza some time ago, but the fighting continues in order to help Netanyahu maintain his grip on power. This position reportedly contradicts Trump’s stated desire to see the conflict end.
The report also noted Trump’s growing discomfort with the images emerging from Gaza, which highlight the destruction and worsening humanitarian conditions in the enclave. In particular, sources say Trump was displeased with Netanyahu’s recent public claim that "there is no hunger in Gaza", a statement that drew criticism and skepticism internationally.
White House officials further believe that Netanyahu is actively taking steps to block progress toward a ceasefire agreement, suggesting a lack of genuine intent to end hostilities.
Nevertheless, Trump is not expected to shift his administration’s official stance on Israel. Publicly, he continues to place the blame squarely on Hamas and has declined to join the diplomatic initiative led by Canada, Britain, and France to recognize a Palestinian state.
Despite mounting international pressure, Trump has maintained an open line of communication with Jerusalem and, for now, continues to present a unified and supportive front toward Israel.