U.S. President Donald Trump seemed to doubt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intentions when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict when the two talked over the phone several months ago, Axios reported Sunday.
According to the report, "Trump was pressing Bibi [Netanyahu's nickname] on the importance of striking a deal for Mideast peace," after the administration had come across reports that the latter was "planning to build additional settlements to please his conservative base in Israel. "
Trump was apparently displeased with the move because he believed it could anger the Palestinians and complicate his efforts to strike a historic deal, "so, in the course of a longer conversation that was mostly friendly and complimentary, he bluntly asked Bibi whether or not he genuinely wants peace."
A senior White House official, who was asked to comment on Trump's disapproval and the alleged questioning of Netanyahu's sincerity, told Axios: "The president has an extremely close and candid relationship with the prime minister of Israel and appreciates his strong efforts to enhance the cause of peace in the face of numerous challenges." Press secretary Sarah Sanders also issued a statement, saying: "The president has great relationships with a number of foreign leaders but that doesn't mean he can't be aggressive when it comes to negotiating what's best for America."
