Trump reaffirms support for Israel as Netanyahu responds to US-Hamas negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his unwavering support of Israel in its conflict with Hamas. His statement came shortly after reports emerged that a US envoy had engaged in direct talks with the Palestinian militant group regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza. While Israel indicated that it was not aware of any breakthroughs in these discussions, Netanyahu publicly reaffirmed his stance against Hamas.

On Saturday, Netanyahu posted on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Trump for his “bold” and steadfast backing of Israel in its war against what he referred to as the “monstrous Hamas terrorists.” His post reshared a statement from Trump, in which the US President warned that if Hamas failed to release the hostages, there would be severe consequences, stating, “there will be hell to pay later.”

The developments come as tensions escalate over reports that Trump’s administration engaged in discussions with Hamas in Doha. The meeting, reportedly led by Trump aide Adam Boehler and senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, focused on securing the release of five American hostages.

Israeli Officials Criticize US Talks with Hamas

Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close ally of Netanyahu, strongly criticized the US envoy’s discussions with Hamas. According to a report from The Times of Israel, Dermer confronted Boehler during a phone call on Tuesday, objecting to the negotiations, particularly the discussions over a potential prisoner exchange deal. Dermer reportedly voiced concerns that the talks proceeded without prior consultation with Netanyahu’s administration.

While the US government has not officially commented on the meeting, reports indicate that discussions centered around the possibility of securing the release of American hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners currently held by Israel.

Trump Reaffirms Israel Support with Hostage Meeting Photos

Amid the diplomatic controversy, Trump has remained vocal in his support for Israel. Alongside his statement warning Hamas of potential repercussions, he shared images from his White House meeting with eight Israeli hostages who had been freed. The move was widely seen as a reaffirmation of his administration’s position on Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.

The situation underscores growing tensions between Israel and the US over how best to handle hostage negotiations. While Trump’s administration appears to be exploring diplomatic avenues, Netanyahu’s government has insisted on a hardline approach, emphasizing that any negotiations involving Israeli interests should have direct input from its leadership.

Rising Pressure on Netanyahu Over Hostage Negotiations

Netanyahu is facing increasing domestic pressure over the ongoing crisis, with more than 50 freed Israeli hostages urging his government to fully implement a Gaza deal. The former hostages have called for a decisive resolution to the situation, as families of those still in captivity continue to demand urgent action.

The latest developments highlight the delicate balance between diplomatic efforts and military strategy in the Israel-Gaza conflict. As Trump signals his unwavering support for Israel, questions remain about how his administration will navigate the complexities of negotiating with Hamas while maintaining strong ties with Netanyahu’s government.