Muhammed Yasin Güngör
20 May 2025•Update: 20 May 2025
ISTANBUL
People close to the US President Donald Trump have warned Israeli officials they risk losing American support if the war in Gaza is not ended, the Washington Post reported on Monday.
“Trump’s people are letting Israel know, ‘We will abandon you if you do not end this war,’” a person familiar with the discussions told to newspaper.
The source added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has the political means to end the war but lacks the will.
Netanyahu is also said to be under pressure from Trump, who excluded Israel from its itinerary during his Middle East tour, to letting humanitarian aid in to the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu previously acknowledged that Israel’s closest allies "cannot handle pictures of mass starvation," leading to resumed but minimal aid deliveries.
The source said Netanyahu “sold the idea of resuming aid in the Sunday night cabinet meeting by saying it was only a technicality.”
The reported warning by the US follows growing friction between Washington and Tel Aviv. Trump is said to have cut direct contact with Netanyahu, believing he is being manipulated.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth both recently canceled or postponed their trips to Israel.
