In a tense and expletive-filled phone call, President Donald Trump lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of being “so f***ing negative” after Netanyahu downplayed Hamas’ partial acceptance of Trump’s Gaza peace plan, according to multiple U.S. officials.
Trump Sees a Breakthrough — Netanyahu Sees a Dead End
When Hamas responded to Trump’s proposal with a cautious “yes, but” on Friday — agreeing in principle to release all remaining hostages in exchange for a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza — Trump saw it as a major diplomatic victory.
But Netanyahu wasn’t celebrating.
“Bibi told Trump this is nothing to celebrate, and that it doesn’t mean anything,” a U.S. official familiar with the call told Axios.
That remark reportedly triggered Trump’s fiery outburst.
“I don’t know why you’re always so f***ing negative,” Trump snapped back. “This is a win. Take it.”
Inside the Fiery Phone Call
According to two U.S. officials, Trump was eager to secure what he viewed as a historic deal that could end the devastating Gaza conflict. Netanyahu, however, warned that Hamas’ response amounted to a rejection, not progress.
Behind the scenes, Israeli officials said Netanyahu wanted to coordinate carefully with Washington to prevent any illusion that Hamas had accepted a deal. Trump, by contrast, was focused on the opportunity, not the obstacles.
“He had been worried Hamas would reject the plan outright,” one senior U.S. official said. “When they didn’t, he saw it as an opening — not a problem.”
Trump Pushes Back — and Gets His Way
Frustrated by Netanyahu’s skepticism, Trump reportedly pressed harder.
Later that same day, the president issued a public statement calling for Israel to halt its air strikes in Gaza.
Just three hours later, Netanyahu complied — a move that stunned many in his cabinet.
Trump later bragged in an interview with Axios, saying:
“He was fine with it. He’s got to be fine with it. He has no choice. With me, you got to be fine.”
Behind the Political Theater
Despite Netanyahu’s aides publicly claiming the two leaders were “fully aligned,” officials described the conversation as “tough and firm.” One official said Trump was clearly annoyed that Netanyahu refused to share his enthusiasm.
Yet both men managed to find common ground before hanging up.
“Ultimately, President Trump wants peace, and that’s what matters most,” one official said. “The administration is already working closely with Israel to accomplish that.”
What Happens Next
Trump’s diplomatic team — led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — is expected to travel to Egypt on Monday to facilitate indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Trump also sent a direct public message to Hamas, warning them against “delay tactics” and insisting the hostage release must happen soon — or the deal will be off the table.
Meanwhile, Israel has reportedly agreed to an updated map for the initial phase of its troop withdrawal from Gaza — a key early step in Trump’s proposed peace framework.
The Bottom Line
This fiery exchange underscores Trump’s determination to end the Gaza war on his terms — and his willingness to clash even with close allies like Netanyahu to make it happen.
For Trump, this isn’t just diplomacy. It’s personal — and, as one senior aide put it, “He wants to be remembered as the man who brought peace to the Middle East — again.”