Khaberni - When Hamas responded to the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Gaza on Friday, Trump immediately contacted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, considering the response "good news".
However, Netanyahu did not share the American President's optimism.
An American official familiar with the details of the call told "Axios" that "Bibi (Netanyahu) told Trump: There is nothing to celebrate, this response means nothing", adding that Trump angrily replied, "I don't know why you're always so negative. This is a win, take it as it is."
According to a second American official, the conversation reflects Trump's determination to overcome Netanyahu's reservations and push him to end the war if Hamas is willing to reach an agreement.
In its official response to Trump's plan, Hamas said it was ready to release all remaining hostages in exchange for ending the war and a complete withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza, but it demanded negotiations on the details of the agreement.
In closed consultations that took place on Friday, Netanyahu emphasized that he saw Hamas's response as an actual rejection of the plan, pointing to his desire to coordinate the Israeli response with Washington to avoid portraying the situation as though Hamas had provided a positive response, according to an Israeli official.
As for Trump, his mood was completely different. He feared that Hamas would outright reject the plan, and saw in their response an opportunity to open the door for a possible deal, according to a senior American official.
Two American officials said that Netanyahu was lukewarm during the call, which surprised Trump and prompted an emotional response from him.
In a brief interview with "Axios" on Saturday, Trump said he told Netanyahu that this was his chance to achieve "victory", adding: "He eventually agreed. He has to be, he has no choice. With me, you have to agree."
A few hours after the call, Trump issued a statement calling on Israel to stop its airstrikes in Gaza. Just three hours later, Netanyahu ordered the attacks to be halted.
Agreement After Dispute
Despite the tense atmosphere, Netanyahu's aides confirmed on Saturday that the Prime Minister and the U.S. President are in complete agreement.
Netanyahu recorded a video praising Trump and confirming the points they agree upon from his recent statements.
But an American official said that the nature of their dialogue during Friday's call was sharper and more complex than announced, noting that Trump was upset by Netanyahu's hesitation.
However, the two American officials confirmed that the leaders ultimately managed to reach a mutual understanding.
