The Gaza crisis is testing the relationship between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, as Trump openly criticizes Israel's actions in Gaza. This shift in tone from the U.S. could signal a change in the historically strong ties between the two leaders.
Gaza Crisis Strains Trump-Netanyahu Relationship
Gaza Crisis Strains Trump-Netanyahu Relationship
Donald Trump has openly opposed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing the widespread hunger in Gaza. This is one of several moves shaking the previously warm relationship between the world leaders.
– The situation in Gaza could test their relationship, says Anders Persson, a Middle East expert.
Media reports of widespread hunger in Gaza following Israel's blockade of aid and Israeli soldiers' fatal shootings of civilians during food distributions have sparked strong reactions.
Several governments, including those of France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, have recently issued sharp criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza.
Now, critical voices are also being raised from the United States, a country that has been Israel's closest ally for decades.
Trump: Disagrees with Netanyahu
On Monday, Donald Trump directly opposed Benjamin Netanyahu's stance that there is no hunger in Gaza.
– If you go by what you see on TV, I would say I disagree with him, because those children look very hungry, said Trump.
He also described the situation in Gaza as "terrible" and added that "we must help on a humanitarian basis."
Last week, members of the Trump administration also spoke harshly about Netanyahu's violent policies in several parts of the Middle East. A government source said that "he seems crazy," according to Axios.
– There is a feeling that his trigger finger is too itchy and that he is too disruptive, an American official told the news site.
Gaza Could Trigger a Crisis in the Relationship
In addition to the historically important bond between the U.S. and Israel, the relationship between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu has been particularly warm for a long time.
However, the recent change in tone from Trump's side could be a sign that the relationship between the two world leaders is now being tested, according to Middle East expert Anders Persson.
– It is possible that the situation in Gaza could test their relationship.
U.S. expert Frida Stranne also sees signs that things are happening around Trump due to the situation in Gaza.
– There is pressure from his own party, the Maga movement, and other profiles that this cannot continue. Sooner or later, this could have an impact on politics, she says.
Trump on Netanyahu: "Fuck Him"
The emotions between Trump and Netanyahu have fluctuated before, emphasizes Anders Persson.
When Trump first entered the White House in 2016, Netanyahu was the only world leader he knew from before. During the term, they met many times, but when Joe Biden defeated Trump in the next election, Netanyahu did something that made Trump sour:
Netanyahu went out and congratulated Biden on the election victory.
– Then Trump felt really betrayed, so he just said "fuck him," Anders Persson recounts.
But then they managed to reconcile again, and during Trump's current term, they have cooperated on a number of issues, not least in the extensive attacks on Iran in June.
– There they won a great victory together. It is perhaps Trump's greatest international victory so far.
"Anything Can Happen When It Comes to Trump"
Frida Stranne believes that the relationship between the U.S. and Israel is too deeply rooted for recent events to shake it in a decisive way.
– It takes a lot for the relationship to be damaged long-term. Trump also has several important representatives around him with close ties to Israel, and whom Trump depends on.
– But yes, anything can happen when it comes to Trump.
She is supported by Anders Persson.
– I think we are far from that. Trump is theoretically, with his unique personality, better placed to do it than other American leaders, but I can't see it being imminent.
They both believe that more radical, actual measures would be required from the U.S. side to threaten the strong bond between the countries.
– We have not yet seen any threats of sanctions against Israel, regarding, for example, trade, tariffs, weapons, or military aid, says Anders Persson.
– It would take a lot, but of course, there is a "tipping point" somewhere, and when it is passed, things can start to happen, says Frida Stranne.