US President Donald Trump was reportedly caught off guard by recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and Syria, including a strike on the only Catholic Church in Gaza, prompting him to immediately call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the incidents, according to a CNN report cited by the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump personally contacted Netanyahu following the airstrikes, which included a controversial bombing in Damascus and the church strike in Gaza last Thursday.
“The president enjoys a good working relationship with Bibi Netanyahu and stays in frequent communication with him,” Leavitt told reporters. “He was caught off guard by the bombing in Syria and the bombing of a Catholic Church in Gaza. In both accounts, the president quickly called the prime minister to rectify those situations.”
CNN reported that while the U.S. and Israel remain close allies, the Trump-Netanyahu relationship is often marked by tension and mutual suspicion. Despite working together during this summer’s joint air campaign in Iran, the two leaders have faced disagreements, particularly regarding the humanitarian toll in Gaza and policy direction in Syria.
Leavitt highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts in Syria, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aimed at easing regional tensions as the U.S. supports the new Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—a former rebel leader—while lifting certain sanctions.
Trump had hoped Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington would yield progress toward a Gaza ceasefire, the release of Hamas-held hostages, and increased humanitarian aid. However, the visit ended without any formal announcement. CNN quoted sources indicating that negotiations are ongoing and awaiting a response from Hamas. The group said on Monday that it was “exerting all efforts around the clock” to reach an agreement.
Leavitt emphasized Trump’s concern over the rising civilian toll in Gaza, stating: “The president’s message on this conflict is clear. He wants the killing to end. The situation has become quite brutal, especially in recent days.”
She also credited Trump for facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza: “The president is the reason that aid is even being distributed in Gaza at all. He wants it done peacefully, without further loss of life.”
According to local health ministry figures cited by CNN, over 1,000 people have died seeking humanitarian relief in Gaza since late May. International criticism has grown over what foreign ministers from 25 nations described as Israel’s “drip feeding” of aid into the region.
“It’s a very difficult and complicated situation the president inherited due to the weakness of the last administration,” Leavitt said. “The president wants peace and has made that abundantly clear.”
