White House alarmed by Netanyahu's moves after Syria strikes – Axios
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
The administration of US President Donald Trump is alarmed by Israel’s new actions in Syria. The White House considers Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be out of control and furious, Axios reports.
One White House official told Axios that "Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time." That's how the official, using Netanyahu’s nickname, commented on the strikes on Syria.
"This could undermine what Trump is trying to do," the anonymous official added.
A second senior US official pointed to the shelling of a church in Gaza this week, which prompted President Trump to call Netanyahu and demand an explanation.
"It feels like something new is happening every day. What the hell is going on?" the official remarked.
Meanwhile, a third US representative emphasized that skepticism toward Netanyahu is growing within the Trump administration. He noted that there's a sense that the Israeli Prime Minister is too impulsive and destructive.
"Netanyahu sometimes acts like a child who just refuses to behave properly," a US representative added.
At the same time, six American officials told Axios that despite the ceasefire agreed by the US on Friday, which halted the escalation of the conflict in Syria, the week ended with the White House becoming significantly more concerned about Netanyahu and his regional policy.
Trump himself, however, is still refraining from public criticism, and it remains unclear whether he shares his advisers' frustration. It's also unclear whether he shares their recent concerns about Israel's actions in Syria.
Israel-Syria conflict
After the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, Syria's new interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa promised inclusiveness for national and religious minorities.
However, Islamist groups launched attacks on Alawites and Druze. The Druze, in turn, refused to lay down their arms and join the Armed Forces.
By July, clashes had already happened in the area of the city of As-Suwayda, and on July 16, the government deployed troops.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces struck Damascus in response, destroying the buildings of the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense, and damaging the Presidential Palace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the aim of the strike was to protect the Druze from pressure by the Syrian government.
Then, on July 18, Israel launched another airstrike on the city of As-Suwayda.
Yesterday, July 19, Israel and Syria agreed to a ceasefire with the support of the United States.
For more details on why fighting continues in the Middle East, read our material on the topic.
