Edith Hejberg
The Israeli strikes came as a blow to these initiatives, further frustrating Trump.
President Donald Trump was reportedly blindsided by Israeli military actions last week, one targeting Gaza and another hitting Damascus.
According to the White House, Trump immediately called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after each incident to express his disapproval and push for corrective action.
Church Strike in Gaza Sparks Immediate Reaction
One of the most jarring moments came when Israel struck Gaza’s only Catholic church, resulting in the deaths of three people.
Trump was “immediately displeased” and urged Netanyahu to publicly label the attack a mistake, reflecting how seriously he took the incident.
Surprise at Syrian Bombings
In a separate episode, Israeli airstrikes targeted Syrian government buildings in Damascus just as the U.S. administration was working to stabilize the region.
Trump, caught unaware again, made it clear to Netanyahu that the timing jeopardized American diplomatic progress.
White House: Relationship Still ‘Good,’ But Strained
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed that Trump and Netanyahu maintain a “good working relationship,” but sources say tensions between the two have grown.
Their communication remains frequent, though insiders describe their dynamic as “complicated.”
Rubio’s Diplomatic Push in Syria
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been leading efforts to calm the situation in Syria, supporting new president Ahmed al-Sharaa and easing sanctions.
The Israeli strikes came as a blow to these initiatives, further frustrating Trump.
An Uneasy Alliance Between Trump and Netanyahu
Despite past collaboration, Trump and Netanyahu are not known to be personally close.
Their alliance has often been transactional, with both leaders pursuing their own agendas, even as they publicly project unity.
High Hopes Dashed During Netanyahu’s DC Visit
Earlier this month, Netanyahu visited Washington for a four-day trip, where he presented Trump with a dramatic Nobel Peace Prize nomination letter.
Trump hoped the visit would deliver a breakthrough on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release—but it ended without a deal.
Ceasefire Talks Still in Limbo
While mediators submitted a new ceasefire proposal to Hamas nearly a week ago, no formal response has come.
Hamas says it’s “working around the clock,” but the delay adds to Trump’s frustration, especially as violence continues to escalate.
Mounting Death Toll Weighs on Trump
The ongoing war in Gaza and the rise in civilian deaths, is troubling to Trump, aides say. “He never likes to see that,” Leavitt noted, highlighting his desire to end the bloodshed and expedite humanitarian relief efforts in the region.
U.S. Pushes for More Aid, Criticizes Israel’s Pace
Trump’s administration has championed the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, even as Israel faces criticism from Western allies for allowing only a trickle of relief.
Leavitt credited Trump with making the aid possible at all, calling it a “difficult situation” inherited from previous leadership.
