In what appears to be a break out between the Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump’s adminstration, Israeli Prime Minister is facing sharp criticism from within the White House over Israel’s recent military actions in Syria and Gaza.
According to an Axious report, a White House official described Netanyahu as someone who “acts like a madman.” The official quoted in the report expressed concern over Netanyahu’s repeated bombing campaigns.
“Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time. This could undermine what Trump is trying to do,” the official said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, “Bibi.”
Israel Strikes Syria, Gaza, White House Concerned
The White House remarks come after Israeli airstrikes targeted Damascus, including attacks on government forces in southern Syria. Israel also launched a strike on the compound of the Holy Family Catholic Church – the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip.
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Following the church attack in Gaza, President Donald Trump reportedly called Netanyahu to demand an explanation, according to the Axios report.
“The feeling is that every day there is something new. What the f***?” another US official told Axios, reflecting the growing frustration inside the administration.
Benjamin Netanyahu Meets Donald Trump But No Breakthrough Achieved
The criticism from US officials follows Netanyahu’s third visit to the United States in recent months, during which he held several meetings with President Trump, including a White House dinner. However, despite these meetings, there was no breakthrough in efforts to resolve the ongoing Gaza War.
A third White House official told Axios that skepticism is increasing inside the Trump administration regarding Netanyahu’s approach to the region. The official described the Israeli Prime Minister as “too itchy and too disruptive.”
Another US official put it bluntly: “Netanyahu is sometimes like a child who just won’t behave.”
US Concerned Over Benjamin Netanyahu Due To His Regional Policies
After Israel’s attack in Syria, the US worked to de-escalate the situation. The American Ambassador to Turkey announced a ceasefire between Israel and Syria, effectively halting the escalation.
However, the Axios report, citing six US officials, said that despite brokering a ceasefire, the Trump administration remains deeply concerned about Netanyahu’s regional policies and his pattern of military strikes.
Also Read: Israel Orders Central Gaza Evacuations as Ceasefire Talks With Hamas Stall
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin