Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Donald Trump personally urged him to reject a partial ceasefire agreement with Hamas and to pursue the war in Gaza with “full force”. According to leaks from a heated six-hour security cabinet meeting on Sunday, Israel’s prime minister refused to allow a vote on the proposed truce, insisting instead that the United States president supported an expansion of military operations. Reports suggest the meeting centred largely on accelerating plans for a ground offensive inside Gaza City.
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If accurate, Mr Netanyahu’s account would mark a shift in Washington’s position. President Trump has previously called for an end to the 22-month conflict amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s conduct. Channel 12 reported that Mr Trump had pressed Mr Netanyahu to intensify efforts to defeat Hamas after losing patience with stalled ceasefire negotiations. Mr Netanyahu is said to be pursuing either complete control of Gaza or a permanent ceasefire strictly on Israel’s terms.
The proposed offensive has fuelled tensions between Israel’s political leadership and senior military figures, some of whom have warned against the risks to hostages and already exhausted troops. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, told ministers there was “a framework on the table” that should be considered. Other cabinet members highlighted Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation and the recent moves by Western allies to recognise a Palestinian state. Mr Netanyahu, however, dismissed the option of a partial deal, saying it was “not relevant” and would carry a “heavy price”.
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Meanwhile, protests within Israel have intensified as families of the 48 remaining hostages demand a ceasefire to secure their release. Hamas had accepted a temporary truce proposed by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, but Mr Netanyahu is now pushing for a broader agreement tied to the release of all hostages and the elimination of Hamas. Analysts have cautioned that the stated goal of fully destroying the group is unlikely to be achievable. On Monday, Palestinian officials reported at least 19 deaths from Israeli air strikes, while the International Association of Genocide Scholars issued a resolution accusing Israel of committing genocide under international law.
