US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the ongoing war in Gaza and refrain from threatening military action against Iran, according to an American news outlet citing a source familiar with their conversation.
The phone call between Trump and Netanyahu took place on Monday. Trump later described the discussion as “very well, very smooth.”
This reported exchange comes as Washington intensifies diplomatic efforts in the Middle East — seeking progress in nuclear talks with Iran and pushing for a Gaza ceasefire deal through indirect negotiations with Hamas.
A number of recent developments have heightened urgency. On Sunday, over 30 Palestinians were reportedly killed near a US-backed aid distribution center in southern Gaza, with dozens more injured. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos and panic to American media.
Meanwhile, Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, met on Tuesday night to assess what officials described as “some progress” in ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed that sentiment earlier in the day, confirming efforts to reach a hostage deal along with a ceasefire.
Hamas also issued a statement maintaining that it had not rejected the US-backed ceasefire proposal but had requested stronger guarantees against future Israeli military operations. Senior Hamas figure Khalil Al-Hayya emphasized that any deal must include a complete end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Growing Tensions Between Trump and Netanyahu
The reported call between Trump and Netanyahu points to a growing rift between the former US president and the Israeli leader. While Netanyahu remains committed to the complete disarmament and removal of Hamas, Trump appears to be pressuring Israel to shift course.
According to the American news report, Trump specifically asked Netanyahu to stop public discourse about a possible attack on Iran. The Trump administration is reportedly preparing for a new round of nuclear negotiations with Tehran in the coming days and is seeking to avoid actions that could derail diplomacy.
The source claims Netanyahu responded by saying that Iran was only stalling for time and not serious about talks. However, Trump remained firm in his request to reduce provocative rhetoric.
Wider Regional Shifts
The conversation also comes amid broader shifts in US policy. The Trump administration recently brokered a ceasefire with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and lifted some sanctions on Syria — decisions that Israel reportedly opposed.
Efforts are also underway to revive and expand the Abraham Accords, though Saudi Arabia has remained firm in its position that normalization with Israel requires real progress toward Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee recently declared that a two-state solution is no longer a US policy goal, stating in an interview that such an arrangement is unlikely “in our lifetime.”
Earlier during the conflict, Trump had floated controversial ideas including a “Gaza Riviera” plan — envisioning American-led redevelopment of Gaza and large-scale relocation of its population, proposals which drew widespread criticism.
The latest developments underscore the growing divide between Israel’s current war objectives and evolving US regional strategy
