Trump raises pressure on Netanyahu, Israel

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PRESIDENT TRUMP on Monday broke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the hunger crisis in Gaza, adding to a steady drumbeat of international pressure on Israel.

Trump weighed in during his multiday trip to Scotland as images of starving Gazan civilians — including many children — spread globally, provoking anger from critics and allies alike.

Netanyahu said over the weekend “there is no starvation” in Gaza and that claims to the contrary are a “bold-faced lie.”

But Trump said Monday there is “real starvation” happening. He said the U.S. would assist with the creation of “food centers” in Gaza, though details are scant at the moment.

“We’re going to be getting some good, strong food. We can save a lot of people,” Trump said at a press conference in Scotland with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “Some of those kids — that’s real starvation. I see it. And you can’t fake that. So we’re going to be even more involved.”

“We’re going to do it in conjunction with some very good people, and we’re going to supply funds. … And other nations are joining us,” Trump added.

The Israeli military briefly paused fighting in parts of Gaza over the weekend to allow for aid to get through, as news reports and humanitarian groups claimed Israel had blocked aid from entering Gaza.

Jewish Insider reports: “Israel over the weekend announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating the widespread malnutrition and security issues in the enclave, including temporary ceasefires, aid airdrops, facilitating a massive increase in Gaza’s water supply and establishing designated humanitarian corridors — even as the IDF called claims of starvation in Gaza ‘a false campaign promoted by Hamas’.”

Trump said Monday that “Israel can do a lot” to end the starvation.

However, Trump and other GOP officials have accused Hamas of stealing aid that is meant for starving civilians.

The president also blamed Hamas for failing to reach a ceasefire deal, saying they’ve been “very difficult” to negotiate with. The Palestinian militant group has refused to release remaining hostages, complicating negotiations.

Peace talks between Israel and Hamas crumbled last week, with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff saying Hamas had shown a “lack of desire” to reach a truce. U.S. and Israeli officials have said they’re looking at “alternative options” to end the war.

Still, the international pressure campaign against Israel over the hunger crisis is growing and could be further enflamed by Trump’s break with Netanyahu.

“We need to galvanize other countries in support of getting that aid in and yes, that does involve putting pressure on Israel because it, absolutely, this is a humanitarian catastrophe now,” Starmer said during the press conference.

Several European leaders have begun calling for the recognition of a Palestinian state, led by French President Emmanuel Macron.

And some of Israel’s staunchest allies in the U.S. are warning that Israel is approaching a tipping point.

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), a strong ally to Jewish Americans, told journalist Chuck Todd that Netanyahu has done “irreparable damage” to the relationship between Israel and Democrats.

Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), who caucuses with Democrats, said in a statement: “I am through supporting the actions of the current Israeli government and will advocate—and vote—for an end to any United States support whatsoever until there is a demonstrable change in the direction of Israeli policy."

MEANWHILE...

Trump is also ramping up pressure on Russia to end the war with Ukraine.

The president said he plans to shorten the timeline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire to within the next two weeks because he’s unhappy that Russian President Vladimir Putin has continued attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Trump had given Russia a Sept. 2 deadline to end the war or face new sanctions and tariffs. On Monday, Trump indicated the new deadline would be in early August.

“I’m not so interested in talking [with Putin] anymore,” Trump said.

“He talks — we have such nice conversations, such respectful and nice conversations and then people die the following night,” he added.

💡Perspectives:

• The Wall Street Journal: Gaza’s aid crisis helps only Hamas.

• Free Press: Searching for the truth on Gaza in an information war.

• The Bulwark: Trump’s ides of August.

• National Review: America’s future depends on multiplication, not division.

• Washington Monthly: The Trump era and the........

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