The Voice News: U.S. President Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, June 9. During the call, Trump became visibly agitated and firmly instructed Netanyahu to end the ongoing war in Gaza permanently.
Israeli television reported the incident on Tuesday, stating that Trump told Netanyahu a proposed 60-day temporary ceasefire in Gaza would not be sufficient. So far, Netanyahu has refused to halt the war, reiterating that his far-right coalition government will not stop until Hamas is completely eliminated from Gaza.
Trump reportedly emphasized that ending the war in Gaza would help the United States in its ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. He also noted that a ceasefire could pave the way for diplomatic talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, Trump instructed Netanyahu not to carry out any attacks on Iran. He made it clear that the U.S. is pursuing a nuclear agreement with Iran through the lifting of economic sanctions.
Israeli media outlet Channel 12 revealed that Trump said no preparations for a strike on Iran would be made unless negotiations are deemed a failure. Two sources told the outlet that Netanyahu asked Trump whether Israel should strike Iran alone or if the U.S. would lead such an operation. Trump reportedly did not give a clear response.
During the phone call, Trump also told Netanyahu that although Iran had become tougher in negotiations recently, he did not believe the talks had failed or that all diplomatic avenues were closed.
Another Israeli outlet, Kan, reported that Netanyahu told Trump, “Negotiating with Iran is pointless; Iran is playing games with you and wasting time.” To this, Trump responded, “What you’re saying about attacking Iran is not helpful. We’re working on a deal.”