In a striking display of exasperation, U.S. President Donald Trump recently rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over what he viewed as unwarranted pessimism during critical Gaza peace negotiations. The heated exchange occurred after Hamas reportedly gave a positive response to Trump’s 20-point proposal for ending the nearly two-year war—a development Trump saw as a breakthrough, but Netanyahu treated with caution.
According to sources familiar with the discussion, Trump called Netanyahu to share what he considered “good news” from Hamas, only to be met with skepticism. In response, Trump reportedly snapped, “I don’t know why you’re always so f***ing negative. This is a win. Take it.” The rebuke underscored the tension between the two leaders over the pace and framing of diplomacy.
Netanyahu, for his part, cautioned that Hamas’ message did not necessarily amount to agreement, telling Trump, “there is nothing to celebrate … it doesn’t mean anything.” He pushed instead for a calibrated response from both Israel and Washington, wary of a narrative suggesting Hamas had accepted the U.S. plan. The Israeli leader also insisted that details still remained unresolved, especially on disarmament and the role Gaza’s future governance would play.
Shortly after the call, Trump publicly urged Israel to halt airstrikes in Gaza. Within a few hours, Israeli military officials were ordered to reduce offensive operations, a move many saw as a direct concession to U.S. pressure.
Meanwhile, delegations from Hamas, Israel, and the United States convened in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to begin indirect negotiations. The talks were anchored in Trump’s 20-point plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, a phased Israeli withdrawal, and the disarmament of Hamas—though the latter remains a key point of contention. Observers cautioned that a swift deal is unlikely. Deep mistrust, competing demands, and unresolved red lines could slow progress. A senior Israeli official told Reuters that even though Hamas and Israel had accepted the fundamentals of the U.S. plan, “key details” remained open, especially around the mechanisms for governance and military control in Gaza. Domestically, Netanyahu faces immense pressure from hardline ministers in his far-right coalition, who oppose any terms they perceive as preserving Hamas influence. Their dissent threatens to destabilize his government if it appears to make concessions. Trump, however, remains bullish. In public remarks, he framed the moment as a closing window—urging negotiators to move quickly and declaring that Netanyahu “has no choice” but to back the deal. “With me, you got to be fine,” he was quoted as saying. Still, many analysts warn that momentum alone may not be enough. The fundamental gaps between parties over disarmament, governance, and future sovereignty are substantial. Some stages of the agreement may require days—or even weeks—of painstaking talks before implementation can begin.
Yet the urgency of the moment is undeniable. With Gaza’s civilian toll mounting and hostages still held, there is broad international pressure for a breakthrough. Whether Trump’s tough love can bridge the gap with a wary Netanyahu—and bring all parties to agreement—remains to be seen.
