Washington, 11 August (H.S.):

US President Donald Trump has said his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains “very good”, despite growing differences between the two leaders over a US-backed proposal for Gaza.

Trump made the remarks on Monday while responding to a journalist’s question at the White House. His comments came shortly after Netanyahu publicly rejected the Gaza proposal, which calls for Israel to begin withdrawing its forces alongside the disarmament of Hamas.

The disagreement comes after Netanyahu had repeatedly emphasised his close relationship with Trump. The US president has strongly backed Israel on key security and foreign policy issues, including major decisions concerning Jerusalem.

The latest Gaza proposal is part of broader US-led efforts to sustain a ceasefire and reduce hostilities in the territory. However, Netanyahu’s opposition to the plan highlights the political challenges facing his government, particularly from right-wing and far-right coalition members who have opposed concessions involving Hamas.

Netanyahu is also facing a major political test ahead of Israel’s October 27 elections. The Gaza conflict, which began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, remains a central issue in the country’s political debate.

Trump and Netanyahu have previously differed over the handling of Iran as well. While Trump strongly supported Israel during the conflict, the two leaders later took different positions after the US president pushed for a ceasefire and subsequent negotiations.

The latest disagreement over Gaza has raised fresh questions about the extent to which Washington and the Israeli government will remain aligned on the future course of the conflict.

According to Gaza’s health authorities, which operate under the Hamas-controlled administration, more than 1,250 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations since the ceasefire began. The figures have been cited by international organisations, including the United Nations. The Israeli military has reported five deaths among its personnel during the same period.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar