Will Netanyahu go for an open conflict with the White House – media

According to Al-Monitor, tensions have escalated between Netanyahu and Trump over the terms of the IDF's presence in Gaza and Lebanon. The prime minister is considering a public conflict with the White House, as Washington's demands contradict national interests. Negotiations have shifted from persuasion to ultimatums. A meeting with Kushner produced a temporary compromise: Israel will keep troops until Hamas is disarmed.

According to the Al-Monitor publication, disagreements have escalated between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump over the terms of the IDF's presence in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Those close to the prime minister note that he is considering the possibility of a public conflict with the White House, since Washington's demands contradict national interests. Sources indicate that the format of negotiations has shifted from persuasion to ultimatums, and the personal relationship between the leaders has deteriorated. One interlocutor described the prime minister's position with the phrase "Netanyahu on the brink." Tensions are rising ahead of the upcoming elections in Israel; a firm defense of interests could strengthen the position of Likud. Another source believes that a confrontation with Trump before the elections would be more beneficial than "boasting about a strong friendship." A recent meeting with Jared Kushner ended in a temporary compromise: Netanyahu secured the continued presence of troops in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. Both sides retain room for maneuver.