US-Israeli tensions rise as Trump severs contact with ‘manipulative’ Netanyahu: Report

CAIRO – 9 May 2025: US President Donald Trump has reportedly severed direct communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over manipulation concerns.

According to Yanir Cozin, a correspondent for Israeli Army Radio, Trump's decision came as he thinks Netanyahu is “manipulating him,” according to close associates who spoke to Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

An Israeli official stated that Trump dislikes being seen as a fool, which contributed to his choice to cut ties with Netanyahu.

Cozin also pointed to the Israeli government's lack of a concrete plan regarding Iran and Yemen’s Houthis, as well as insufficient proposals on Gaza, as factors straining US-Israel relations.

The Israeli war in Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has continued despite attempts by Egypt, Qatar and the US to bring an end to the hostilities that have claimed the lives of more than 52,000 Palestinians.

While Hamas says it is ready to release all captives they still hold in Gaza in exchange for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, Tel Aviv does not want to end the war and has required the group to disarm.

Hamas has rejected Israeli disarmament demand, calling its weapons a “red line” as long as the Israeli occupation across the Palestinian territories persists.