President Donald Trump has vented fury to aides that Israel's leader — and a key U.S. ally — is "f---ing me" following Israel's strike on Hamas negotiators in Qatar.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump has been seething for weeks over Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the Gaza conflict. "It's slightly baffling and counterintuitive," Shalom Lipner, who served seven consecutive Israeli prime ministers, told the Journal.
"Netanyahu's moves have prolonged the Gaza war, created trouble for Trump with other U.S. allies in the region, and made the expansion of the Abraham Accords excruciatingly difficult."
The tension peaked after Israel's operation in Doha last week, which threatened fragile negotiations. Despite his reported anger, Trump has refrained from using U.S. leverage over arms or aid, continuing to publicly support Netanyahu.
In a heated call following the September 9 strike, Trump reportedly rebuked Netanyahu for targeting Hamas representatives in Doha without advance notice. The air-launched missiles killed several lower-level figures but missed top negotiators, drawing fury from mediators.
Netanyahu argues that eliminating Hamas leadership abroad removes obstacles to a deal. However, questions have arisen about Trump's lack of public criticism, given his reputation for dominance.
"I'm mystified and so are many other Israelis," Itamar Rabinovich, a Clinton-era Israeli ambassador to the U.S., told the Journal."The only thing that's really working for [Netanyahu] is Trump's support."
After the Doha strike, Trump reportedly called Netanyahu twice—first to vent, then to inquire about the operation's success.
"[Trump] likes winners," former ambassador Michael Oren told the Journal. When informed that the strike didn't deliver a significant blow, Trump's frustration reportedly intensified.
Trump has previously expressed frustration with Netanyahu. After the 2020 presidential election when Netanyahu congratulated victor Joe Biden, Trump told a journalist "F--- him."
