Rejecting ‘deal at any price,’ Netanyahu denies reports of tensions with Trump over Gaza war

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu mocks media reports of rift with President Trump over Gaza talks, says both he and Trump reject peace ‘at any price’ approach to ceasefire talks.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back Wednesday on reports of a rift between his government and the White House, as well as on claims President Donald Trump is pressuring Israel into making major concessions to Hamas in order to achieve a ceasefire deal.

Speaking with reporters on Capitol Hill, Netanyahu mocked media coverage of alleged tensions between Jerusalem and the White House now and in the weeks leading up to the June war between Israel and Iran.

“I completed a second meeting with President Trump. I want to inform you of something that will shock you [regarding] the various reports that come out. President Trump and I have a common goal,” Netanyahu said just before meeting with Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Netanyahu said his government would not accept a ceasefire with Hamas “at any price,” adding that Trump also does not support such an approach.

“I want to achieve the release of our hostages. We want to end Hamas rule in Gaza. We want to make sure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel anymore,” he said.

The Israeli leader rejected reports of a major split between himself and Trump and claims that the Trump administration is pressing Israel to soften its position in ceasefire talks in Doha.

“In pursuit of this common goal, we have a common strategy. Not only do we have a common strategy, we have common tactics. This doesn’t involve pressure. This doesn’t involve coercion. It involves full coordination.”

“President Trump wants a deal, but not at any price. I want a deal, but not at any price. Israel has security requirements and other requirements, and we’re working together to try to achieve it.”

“Everything else that you hear and are being briefed on is false. It is about as accurate as the reports that you had before…the Iran war about the great tension between us, about the great disagreements between us.”