Benjamin Netanyahu is under increasing scrutiny from the Trump administration following Israeli strikes in Syria and the shelling of a church in Gaza. These updates highlight the growing tension between Trump and Netanyahu officials over recent regional actions.
Six senior U.S. officials revealed concerns after Israeli airstrikes targeted Syrian military convoys near Suwayda and later hit Damascus, including near the presidential palace. These moves followed violent clashes in southern Syria that killed over 700. The Israeli government claimed its actions were a response to Syrian military involvement against the Druze minority.
Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Israel resumed attacks. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and White House envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly urged restraint, but Israel escalated. Trump officials say Netanyahu agreed to halt operations in exchange for Syrian military withdrawal, but key allies, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, had already conveyed strong objections to Washington.
Tensions escalated further after a Gaza church was hit by Israeli shelling, prompting a private call from Trump to Netanyahu. The Prime Minister later issued an apology. Meanwhile, Ambassador Mike Huckabee, previously supportive, called recent settler violence “terrorism” and demanded accountability, especially after the killing of Palestinian-American Saif Musallet.
