The White House privately chastised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a weekend strike in Gaza that killed Raed Saad, a top Hamas military commander, marking what U.S. officials consider a violation of the ceasefire agreement brokered by President Trump. The strike in Gaza City also killed three others, and U.S. officials said Israel did not consult Washington before the operation.
Tensions between the Trump administration and Netanyahu’s government have been mounting over Israel’s broader regional policies and the next steps in the Gaza agreement. Senior White House officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner, expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s approach. The prime minister is scheduled to meet Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 29.
Israeli officials defended the strike, saying it was in response to Hamas violations, including attacks on soldiers and renewed weapons smuggling. They described Saad as an “arch-terrorist” whose killing was meant to maintain the ceasefire. Despite Israel’s defense, U.S. officials were clear that they viewed the operation as breaking the agreement.
The incident is part of a series of flare-ups straining U.S.-Israel relations. In Syria, the Trump administration worries that cross-border attacks undermine efforts to stabilize the region and secure a new security arrangement with Israel. In the West Bank, concerns over settler violence and perceived provocations complicate U.S. efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, particularly with Saudi Arabia.
In Gaza, the White House is pushing Netanyahu to act more cooperatively, especially regarding the second phase of the ceasefire, which calls for Israeli troop withdrawals. Trump reportedly told Netanyahu he needs to be a “better partner” in ongoing discussions.
The White House hopes to shift focus from the Gaza conflict to strengthening ties between Israel and Arab nations, but regional leaders remain wary of Netanyahu. Efforts to arrange meetings, including with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, have faced resistance, reflecting broader skepticism about Israel’s actions since the Gaza war began. U.S. officials warn that without de-escalation, expanding the Abraham Accords could be jeopardized.