The US-Israel Alliance Faces Strain as Trump Calls for Israel to Halt Attacks on Gaza

August 18th - U.S. President Trump stated that Israel should not attack targets in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Trump's envoy Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday in an attempt to salvage a plan aimed at disarming Hamas and ending the Gaza conflict. As close allies, the leaders of the U.S. and Israel have rarely been publicly at odds.

Last week, Netanyahu rejected Trump's proposed plan to have Hamas disarm in stages. After a brief pause, Israel has resumed almost daily attacks on Palestinian militants. In an interview with Fox News today, Trump stated that Israel should not carry out these attacks as Hamas has agreed to lay down its arms.