Trump administration warns Israel: Stop Gaza war or stand alone

The Washington Post reported that the U.S. administration has escalated its pressure on the Israeli cabinet in recent days, with sources close to the White House warning Netanyahu: “If you don’t end this war, we’ll abandon you.”

Informed sources told the Washington Post that Netanyahu holds a majority in the Knesset and has the political ability to end the war, but the Israeli prime minister lacks the political will to do so.

Netanyahu has announced his intention to “fully control the Gaza Strip” while resuming “minimal” humanitarian aid deliveries to the region. He warned that widespread famine in Gaza could be a red line that leads to the loss of U.S. support.

In a video posted on social media, Netanyahu stated: “As we move with great force to fully control Gaza… we cannot allow the situation to reach famine, neither practically nor diplomatically.”

According to the Washington Post, during a cabinet meeting on Sunday evening, Netanyahu described the resumption of aid as merely a “technical issue.”

He emphasized that even “Israel’s closest friends in the world,” including American politicians, have said they are willing to arm Israel and defend it at the UN Security Council, but “they cannot tolerate images of mass famine.”

This marks the first time Israeli officials have acknowledged the critical hunger situation in Gaza, despite repeated warnings from international organizations about the looming famine in the region. However, Palestinians in Gaza say the limited aid promised is insufficient to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian disaster.

The Washington Post reported that Netanyahu’s sudden shift in stance came after new pressures from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Over the past weeks, the Trump administration has urged Tel Aviv to end the war in Gaza.