Trump Surprised by Israeli Strikes in Syria and Gaza: Calls Netanyahu to De-escalate
In an unexpected turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump has found himself at odds with one of America's closest allies—Israel—following recent military operations in Syria and Gaza that reportedly caught him off guard.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Trump was not informed in advance about the latest Israeli strikes in Syria, nor the incident in Gaza where Israeli shelling reportedly damaged a Catholic Church. The surprise actions have complicated Trump's ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, especially his attempts to help stabilize the region and bring an end to the war in Gaza.
“This was not something President Trump anticipated,” Leavitt said during a briefing on Monday, July 22. “He was caught off guard by the timing and nature of the strikes.”
Trump, who has been advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and exploring ways to support the new Syrian government, is said to be concerned that the Israeli military actions could undermine his administration's fragile progress in the region. The developments appear to have forced a quick response from the White House, with Trump personally placing a call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Sources familiar with the call say Trump urged Netanyahu to “rectify the situation,” signaling a rare moment of public disagreement between the two leaders. While Trump has been one of Israel’s strongest supporters on the international stage, these latest strikes appear to have disrupted his plans to reassert U.S. influence through diplomacy rather than force.
The strike in Gaza that hit the Catholic Church was especially troubling, drawing international condemnation and raising questions about the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict. While Israel has maintained that its operations are aimed at neutralizing threats from Hamas and other militant groups, the collateral damage to civilian and religious sites has added pressure on both regional and international leaders to step in.
Trump's reaction marks a subtle but notable shift in tone. While he continues to affirm America’s commitment to Israel’s security, his administration now seems more sensitive to actions that could spark further instability or damage U.S.-led peace initiatives.
This moment of diplomatic friction also puts Netanyahu in a difficult position. Balancing national security concerns with maintaining strong U.S.-Israel ties is a political tightrope, especially when America's stance begins to lean toward de-escalation.
As the conflict in Gaza drags on and Syria navigates a complex post-war recovery, Trump’s efforts to reshape U.S. policy in the Middle East are being put to the test. Whether this incident leads to a change in strategy—or simply a deeper conversation between allies—remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: even the strongest of alliances can face unexpected turbulence when military action intersects with diplomacy.
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