Trump insists Netanyahu relationship ‘very good’ despite Gaza disagreement

President Donald Trump asserted on Monday that his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains "very good," despite recent public divergence over a US-backed plan for Gaza.

Netanyahu explicitly rejected the Gaza proposal on Sunday, a move that came after more than a week of escalating criticism. The plan called for Israel to begin withdrawing its forces from Gaza concurrently with Hamas disarming. This public opposition marks a significant moment in their often-aligned political relationship.

The Israeli prime minister, who is Israel's longest-serving leader, is currently navigating a challenging electoral landscape, with polls showing him either tied or trailing ahead of the October 27 elections. The Gaza plan has proven unpopular with Netanyahu's right-wing base, and hard-line members of his cabinet had strongly urged him to reject it.

Historically, Netanyahu has leveraged his strong relationship with Trump, who implemented significant pro-Israel policies, such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. However, the two leaders have previously shown divergence, notably in February when Trump sought a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict due to its impact on his popularity and soaring oil prices, while Netanyahu pursued continued operations.

The Gaza plan represented the latest effort in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire initiative announced in October. While Israeli operations in Gaza have been reduced, they have not ended. According to the territory's health ministry, over 1,250 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, figures considered reliable by the United Nations. The Israeli army reported five deaths among its ranks during the same period.

“

The relationship is very good.