SAEDNEWS: Trump Is Frustrated with Israelis as They Sought Ways to Bypass the Deal: He Warned Them to Stop or the Agreement Will Stand
According to the political desk of SaedNews, as a caravan of senior U.S. officials arrived in Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu’s government found itself more under Washington’s influence than ever. At the same time, escalating pressure from Donald Trump to fully implement the fragile ceasefire in Gaza has heightened tensions between the White House and Tel Aviv.
Andrew England, Neri Zilber, and James Shotter wrote in the Financial Times: During this week’s delegation of senior U.S. officials to Israel, Netanyahu, standing next to U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, faced an uncomfortable question. A journalist asked: “Has Israel become a client state of the United States?”
Netanyahu responded, “What a ridiculous question! We are partners and allies.”
America Calls the Shots
Yet the question reflects the current reality of decision-making in Israel. Today, Washington is effectively the primary decision-maker, as Trump has increased pressure on Netanyahu’s right-wing government to adhere to the fragile Gaza ceasefire—a deal Israel reluctantly accepted under U.S. pressure.
The U.S. has launched an unprecedented diplomatic campaign against Netanyahu’s government, focusing on the second phase of Trump’s 20-point plan to end the two-year conflict.
Vice President Pence, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner—Trump’s son-in-law and one of the main architects of the agreement—all traveled to Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived just hours after Pence’s departure.
An Israel-savvy observer said, “Washington is now running the show. They understand that they cannot leave Trump’s plan to Israel alone and let it implement it independently.”
Trump’s Frustration with Israeli Actions
A diplomat revealed that last weekend, after Israel launched extensive airstrikes on Gaza citing the killing of two soldiers by Hamas and halted humanitarian aid, Trump was furious.
“He’s dissatisfied with the Israelis because they were trying to find ways to circumvent the agreement. He told them to stop, and the deal will remain in place,” the diplomat said. Another insider added that it was the U.S. that pressured Netanyahu to reverse his decision to halt aid to Gaza. Trump has also pressured Hamas, warning that any violation of the deal would be met with eradication.
Israeli Parliament and the Political Theater
In a surprising move, the U.S. criticized Israel’s parliamentary vote supporting annexation of parts of the West Bank.
Following the vote, Pence met Netanyahu and described it as “foolish political theater and a personal affront.” During his two-day visit, Pence also sought to temper Israeli frustration over the slow return of the bodies of hostages killed during the October 7, 2023 attack.
“There is still uncertainty about where some of the bodies may be. Patience is needed,” Pence said.
Phase Two of the Agreement Approaches
During the visit, three of Trump’s special envoys inaugurated a joint U.S.-Israeli military and civilian coordination center in Israel, staffed by approximately 200 American soldiers tasked with overseeing the ceasefire and coordinating subsequent steps—a tangible sign of progress toward phase two of Trump’s plan.
Phase two involves deploying an international stabilization force in Gaza to monitor security and establishing a Palestinian technocratic committee to manage daily affairs under the supervision of a Trump-led peace council.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated, “The administration is working closely with Israel to implement Trump’s plan. Sending top officials to Israel demonstrates the president’s commitment to unprecedented work in Gaza.”
The Next 30 Days Are Critical
Diplomats warn that no final agreement has yet been reached among the U.S., Israel, Hamas, and Arab powers on key issues, including the international stabilization force, Gaza’s governance, and Hamas disarmament.
An Israeli government insider noted that Witkoff warned Netanyahu that the next 30 days will be crucial, and the situation remains fragile.
While Hamas has reportedly agreed to partial disarmament under stringent conditions—defining weapons to be handed over, ensuring no Israeli attacks, and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces—the most urgent issue is deploying the international stabilization force, seen as key to maintaining the ceasefire and paving the way for Hamas disarmament.
Many Questions Remain
A diplomat confirmed that the U.S. does not plan to send ground troops to Gaza and insists the force should have UN authorization, aligning with Arab and Muslim nations’ expectations, who are expected to provide most personnel.
The U.S., U.K., and France are drafting UN Security Council resolutions, but no lead force has been designated. Egypt is expected to take command, though it has not yet agreed and has set conditions. Any participating country unwilling to fight Hamas would withhold troops.
A Long Road Ahead
Marco Rubio acknowledged the work that remains in Israel. Israel has also requested veto power over the composition of the international force and Palestinian committee. Despite U.S. pressure to advance the peace plan, there are concerns that Trump’s administration may ultimately allow Netanyahu to shift the deal’s boundaries.
A diplomat noted that dozens of Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire, and Israel restricts humanitarian aid to Gaza. “This is the diplomatic outcome of Trump’s plan, but I believe the U.S. will eventually give Israel some leeway,” he said.
In response to why so many U.S. officials are in Israel, Pence said the mission requires oversight and active follow-up. “But this is not the kind of supervision you give a child. We do not seek a client state, nor will Israel allow one. We are aiming for a true partnership.”
