Trump Confronts Netanyahu Over Reluctance on Gaza Peace Deal: "Stop Being Negative"

During a critical phone call regarding Gaza peace negotiations, US President Donald Trump reportedly admonished Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his pessimistic stance. The conversation took place on Friday after Hamas responded to Trump's Gaza peace proposal.

Washington officials revealed that Trump had called Netanyahu to share what he considered positive news following Hamas' agreement to his peace plan. However, Netanyahu expressed skepticism, stating there was "nothing to celebrate" and that the development "doesn't mean anything."

According to Axios, citing a US official familiar with the conversation, Trump responded with frustration, saying, "I don't know why you're always so f***ing negative. This is a win. Take it."

Sources indicated that during this private exchange, the Israeli leader characterized Hamas' response as effectively a rejection of Washington's proposal. An Israeli official told Axios that Netanyahu wanted a joint Washington-Tel Aviv statement to counter any narrative suggesting Hamas had responded favorably to Trump's plan.

Trump, however, had a markedly different perspective. Having feared an outright rejection from Hamas, he viewed their actual response as a promising opening for negotiation. This fundamental difference in outlook prompted his heated reaction to the Israeli Prime Minister's lukewarm response.

This exchange highlights Trump's determination to overcome Netanyahu's reservations and persuade him to end the conflict if Hamas agrees to terms. Shortly after their private conversation, Trump issued a statement calling for Israel to cease air strikes in Gaza. Netanyahu gave the order three hours later.

In a subsequent interview with Axios, Trump expressed optimism, stating "we are close" to achieving a Gaza peace deal, which he intends to finalize within days. He recounted telling Netanyahu, "Bibi, this is your chance for victory," adding that the Israeli leader eventually accepted this position.

"He was fine with it... He's got to be fine with it. He has no choice. With me, you got to be fine," Trump reportedly remarked.

Regarding the ongoing peace process, delegations from Hamas, Israel, and the United States were scheduled to meet in Egypt on Monday for negotiations. President Trump urged all parties to "move fast" to end the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza and facilitate the exchange of captives held in Gaza for Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.

Hamas' chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya was expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo Monday morning, according to a senior Hamas official who spoke to AFP. These discussions would precede further talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

The negotiations aim to establish a temporary truce date and create conditions for the peace plan's first phase, which involves the release of 47 hostages from Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.

On his Truth Social platform Sunday, the US president praised "positive discussions with Hamas" and allies worldwide, including Arab and Muslim nations, adding: "I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST."