While Trump has not publicly criticized Netanyahu, aides believe his patience may be running thin. “The Israelis need to get their head out of their asses,” a senior official said.
The Trump administration is growing increasingly alarmed over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions in Syria, following a series of strikes this week, including a bombing near the Syrian presidential palace.
Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Israel resumed attacks, catching the White House off guard.
“Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time,” a White House official said. “This could undermine what Trump is trying to do.”
Another official added, “Netanyahu is sometimes like a child who just won’t behave.”
Tensions peaked after Israel struck Syrian military convoys and government buildings in Suwayda, citing protection of the Druze minority. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack had asked Israel to stand down, but the strikes resumed a day later. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later secured Netanyahu’s agreement to pause if Syria withdrew from Suwayda.
The attacks, coupled with a deadly church shelling in Gaza and the murder of a Palestinian American by Israeli settlers, triggered diplomatic complaints from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and top Trump aides.
Behind closed doors, officials like Barrack and Steve Witkoff warned that Netanyahu’s actions were eroding goodwill.
While Trump has not publicly criticized Netanyahu, aides believe his patience may be running thin. “The Israelis need to get their head out of their asses,” a senior official said.