According to the report, Trump’s team believes Netanyahu is delaying the Gaza ceasefire framework and could ultimately resume the war against Hamas, even as the Israeli leader seeks to persuade Trump himself to adopt a more hawkish approach. “Bibi is trying to convince a one-man audience,” a senior Israeli official tells Axios, referring to Trump, clarifying that members of Trump’s administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, no longer favor Netanyahu. “He has lost them.”
The report compared it to the “bickering” between the US and Israel under the Biden administration, with officials from the two countries now arguing over tactical issues such as the long-delayed opening of the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza. The ceasefire plan’s first phase, which Israel and Hamas agreed to in the October deal, consists of the initial ceasefire, a limited pullback by the Israel Defense Forces, a hostage-prisoner swap, and a surge in humanitarian aid.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have been coordinating closely with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to advance phase two of the deal, which would involve Hamas handing over weapons and Israeli forces pulling back. Netanyahu, however, has expressed skepticism — particularly regarding the demilitarization of Gaza — and has clashed with Witkoff and Kushner over the plan, Axios reported. (Ed note: This is not good. This entire Gaza situation could go completely south at the upcoming meeting with Netanyahu and Trump,) (Read More)
