US President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza and stop talk of an attack on Iran, according to a source familiar with the conversation. The two leaders spoke on the phone on Monday. Trump later said the call went “very well, very smooth.” The call for Israel to change course comes as Washington pushes for a nuclear deal with Iran and engages in indirect talks with Hamas over a ceasefire in Gaza. CNN has reached out to the White House for comment. Netanyahu convened his top ministers Tuesday night after there was “some progress” in negotiations toward a ceasefire deal, according to his office. The purpose of the meeting was to give updates on the negotiations and discuss next steps. Earlier in the day, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said there had been recent progress in ceasefire talks that also aim to bring back hostages held in Gaza. “Israel is serious in its will to secure a hostage deal. There has recently been certain progress,” Sa’ar told a news conference in Jerusalem, adding that “in light of past experience, I don’t want to overstate it at this point.” On Thursday, Hamas said it remains open to the ceasefire deal proposed by US envoy Steve Witkoff, but said it requires stronger guarantees against Israeli attacks. In a televised speech on Thursday, Khalil Al-Hayya, a high-ranking official in the militant group, said Hamas has not rejected Witkoff’s proposal but has submitted amendments with stronger security guarantees. Hamas wants any deal to include a permanent end to the war in Gaza and a withdrawal of Israeli forces. Growing rift Trump and Netanyahu appear increasingly at odds over the war in Gaza as the conflict passes the 20-month mark. Netanyahu has made clear that his war goals include the complete disarmament and removal of Hamas, while Trump has pushed for an end to the war. It’s one of several major issues in the region where a growing rift is emerging between the US and Israel. In recent weeks, the Trump administration bypassed Israel on a trip to the Middle East, reached a ceasefire deal with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen that failed to halt their ballistic missile attacks at Israel, and lifted sanctions on Syria – even as Israel warns against legitimizing a regime run by former jihadists. Meanwhile, Trump said his administration is “trying to make a deal so that there’s no destruction and death” in Iran. The sixth round of talks between the US and Iran is slated to start in the coming days. During their call, Trump asked Netanyahu to stop talking about an attack on Iran, the source familiar with the conversation said, and halt the leaks and reports about plans and preparations for an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Netanyahu has repeatedly pushed for a military option to stop Iran’s nuclear program. In the conversation with Trump, Netanyahu told Trump that Iran is just trying to buy time and isn’t serious about negotiations, the source said. CNN reported last month that Israel was preparing for a possible strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Trump administration has also been trying to expand the Abraham Accords, the landmark series of agreements from Trump’s first term that saw Israel normalize relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco. But Saudi Arabia – whose agreement to such a deal would be the ultimate prize – has repeatedly made clear that it will not normalize relations with Israel without concrete steps towards recognition of a Palestinian state and a plan to implement the two-state solution. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said this week that a two-state solution is no longer a goal of US policy, as it had been for decades of both Republican and Democrat administrations. “Unless there are some significant things that happen that change the culture, there’s no room for it,” Huckabee told Bloomberg News in an interview in Jerusalem. He said it won’t happen “in our lifetime.” Huckabee has previously advocated for Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and once said that “there’s really no such thing as a Palestinian.” Earlier in the war, Trump laid out vague plans for a “Gaza Riviera” that envisioned US control of the coastal enclave and the displacement of large parts of the Palestinian population living there.
Trump tells Netanyahu to end Gaza war and stop Iran threats, source says, as US ramps up pressure on Israel
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trump Pressures Netanyahu to Cease Gaza Conflict and Avoid Iran Military Action"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
In a recent phone conversation, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conclude the ongoing war in Gaza and to refrain from discussing potential military action against Iran. This dialogue took place as the U.S. administration intensifies its diplomatic efforts to secure a nuclear agreement with Iran, while also engaging in indirect negotiations with Hamas aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Following the call, Netanyahu convened a meeting with his top ministers to discuss progress in ceasefire talks, which reportedly include efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed that there have been advancements in these negotiations but cautioned against overstating their significance at this stage. Meanwhile, Hamas expressed its willingness to consider a ceasefire proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, provided that stronger security guarantees are included to protect against Israeli attacks. Hamas's demands also encompass a permanent cessation of hostilities and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, highlighting the complexities of reaching a durable agreement.
The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu appears to be strained as the conflict in Gaza continues to unfold. While Netanyahu has articulated his objectives of dismantling Hamas and securing Israel's security, Trump is advocating for an end to the hostilities. This divergence reflects a broader rift between the U.S. and Israel, particularly as the Trump administration has recently pursued initiatives that bypass Israel's interests, such as reaching a ceasefire with the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen and lifting sanctions on Syria. In their conversation, Netanyahu expressed skepticism about Iran's willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations, which contrasts with Trump's approach that seeks to mitigate destruction and loss of life in the region. As these discussions unfold, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has indicated a shift in U.S. policy regarding the two-state solution, suggesting that significant changes are necessary before such a resolution is feasible. The evolving dynamics between the U.S. and Israel, combined with the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the contentious issue of Iran, complicate the path toward peace in the region.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reveals the current state of relations between the US and Israel, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the potential threats posed by Iran. It highlights a conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, indicating a shift in US policy and expectations for Israel's military engagement. This situation may be intended to shape public perception regarding US foreign policy and its stance on Israel.
US Pressure on Israel
The call for Netanyahu to end the Gaza war reflects an increasing pressure from the US, which is simultaneously seeking a nuclear deal with Iran and attempting to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. This approach underscores a strategic pivot by the US, suggesting that the administration may prioritize diplomatic solutions over military actions.
Potential Divisions between Leaders
The article notes a growing rift between Trump and Netanyahu regarding the war's objectives. While Netanyahu aims for total disarmament of Hamas, Trump is advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities. This divergence could signal an evolving dynamic in US-Israel relations, where differing priorities may lead to tensions that could impact future collaborations and policies in the region.
Negotiations with Hamas
The mention of ongoing discussions with Hamas about a ceasefire and the return of hostages indicates a complex negotiation landscape. The fact that Hamas has not outright rejected US proposals suggests a willingness to engage, albeit with conditions that include stronger guarantees against Israeli attacks. This situation illustrates the intricacies of peace talks, where multiple actors have conflicting interests.
Implications for Regional Stability
The article hints at broader implications for regional stability, including the potential consequences of a ceasefire or continued conflict. The ongoing situation may affect not only Israel and Palestine but also the geopolitical balance in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran's role in the region.
Public Perception and Media Influence
The structure and language of the article suggest an intention to inform the public while also shaping perceptions of leadership and conflict resolution. By focusing on the pressures from the US and the complexities of negotiations, the article could influence how readers view the efficacy of current leadership in handling the crisis.
Market Reactions and Economic Impact
In terms of market implications, developments in the Gaza conflict and US-Israel relations can have significant effects on global markets, particularly in sectors related to defense, energy, and international trade. Any escalation in conflict or failure to reach a ceasefire could lead to volatility in these areas.
Global Power Dynamics
The article is relevant to current global power dynamics, particularly with respect to US foreign policy towards the Middle East. The framing of the discussion around Trump and Netanyahu's differing views also speaks to the strategic importance of the US-Israel relationship in maintaining influence in the region.
The language and tone of the article do not overtly indicate manipulative intent, although the selective highlighting of certain discussions may influence public perception. The emphasis on the differences between Trump and Netanyahu could serve to create a narrative of discord, which may or may not accurately reflect the complexities of their relationship.
In conclusion, the article presents a mix of factual reporting and potential implications that could influence public opinion and policy discussions surrounding the conflict. The reliability of the article appears high, given its sourcing from conversations with officials and the involvement of recognized media outlets.