Israeli Media: Trump to Netanyahu — “Shape Up or I’ll Bomb You”
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Trump’s Sharp Reprimand to Netanyahu over Gaza Negotiations
Israeli media outlets have reported that U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a harsh rebuke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during calls between them about ending the Gaza war and securing the return of Israeli captives.
According to Barak Ravid, the political affairs correspondent for Israel’s Channel 12, Trump called Netanyahu last Friday after receiving intelligence from his team that Hamas’ response to the American proposal included positive signals that could allow further negotiation. Ravid said Netanyahu met that with skepticism, remarking that “Hamas’s response means nothing and is not cause for celebration.”
Why Trump Lost His Cool: Netanyahu’s Negative Tone Draws Fire
Ravid reports that Trump was livid at Netanyahu’s tone and asked pointedly, “Why are you always negative?” He warned that the conversation clearly illustrated that the plan in motion was Trump’s plan, not Netanyahu’s, and that Washington was now firmly in control of diplomatic direction during this fragile phase.
Strategic and political advisor Attila Somfalvi added that Trump didn’t stop at words. He issued a series of messages to Netanyahu and his aides, warning: “Every two hours you will get something from me… a tweet, a map, a statement, or a recording.” The aim was to pressure the Israeli leadership into full compliance with the White House’s agenda.
“You Are Part of My Plan Now”
In direct terms, Trump told Netanyahu: “You must get in line—your whole group that you call a small council or government. You are part of my plan now, not the other way around.” Israeli commentators viewed that as a clear signal of Netanyahu’s diminished influence in steering the Gaza file.
Former defense ministry adviser Barak Seri interpreted Netanyahu’s recent optimistic statements as efforts to mask his subordination to U.S. pressure. He explained that Netanyahu knows the operation in Gaza cannot be halted, so he is trying to present it domestically as an Israeli achievement, when in reality it is executing Trump’s vision.
Seri further asserted that Netanyahu is attempting to “sell” the deal as mutually agreed with Trump, but in truth, Trump positioned him before a political ultimatum—threatening to “bomb him politically” via statements and media if Israel fails to toe Washington’s line.
The Larger Power Struggle: U.S., Qatar & the Influence Shift
Michael Milstein, head of Palestinian studies at Tel Aviv University, believes recent days have revealed a fundamental shift in U.S. policy. He argues that Trump openly adopted Qatar’s position, diverging from his earlier statements, thereby amplifying Doha’s sway in regional negotiations.
Milstein noted that observers across the Arab world are puzzled by the sudden transformation in Washington’s posture. Yet one thing is clear: Israel’s media campaign against Qatar may have backfired by bolstering Qatari influence in the regional equation.
Analysts Weigh In: Is the Deal Truly Viable?
A security analysis in Yedioth Ahronoth quoted military affairs analyst Ron Ben Yishai saying that Israel’s security agencies see a real possibility for success with the proposed deal. But they also acknowledge that Hamas will strive to secure full terms before relinquishing the powerful bargaining chip of the hostages.
Ben Yishai explained that this cautious approach by Hamas adds complexity to the role of mediators, even amid overly optimistic signals from Washington.
Meanwhile, Shira Aferon, a senior researcher at the U.S.-based RAND Institute, said Hamas’s core positions have remained unchanged since negotiations began. She added—somewhat ironically—that “that will only change when the Messiah returns and a sovereign Palestinian state is declared.”
At the same time, Ofer Shelah of Israel’s National Security Institute argued that the success of the deal hinges on Trump’s ability to remain politically resolute with Netanyahu. According to Shelah, the Israeli prime minister will not dare defy Washington as long as the president holds firm.
Shelah asserted that the issue is not about minor disagreements over details, but a test of whether Washington can impose political discipline on its Israeli allies. He concluded: “Trump’s staying power will ultimately determine the outcome.”
The latest developments suggest that Trump is no longer content with being a behind-the-scenes player in the Gaza talk. He is pressing Netanyahu to fall in line, signaling that U.S. control of the process has become paramount. With rising Qatari influence and a wary Hamas, the question now is: Will Israel comply—or will the fight for influence redefine the peace process entirely?