Trump says Israel has lived up to Gaza plan 100%, denies reports of Washington-Jerusalem tension

President emphasized that he is “not concerned” at all by Israel’s policies regarding Gaza. “I’m with Bibi all the way.”

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

President Donald Trump on Monday denied reports of tensions between his administration and the Israeli government over its handling of the fragile truce in the Gaza Strip, praising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for adhering to the ceasefire deal “100 percent.”

Addressing reporters during his meeting with Netanyahu in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, Trump rejected claims that he is frustrated that Israel is not moving faster with White House plans to initiate phase two of the Gaza peace deal.

Trump emphasized that he is “not concerned” at all by Israel’s policies regarding Gaza and that Israel has “lived up” to its obligations under the peace plan.

“Well, I’m not concerned about anything that Israel’s doing,” Trump said. “I’m concerned about what other people are doing or maybe aren’t doing.

“But I’m not concerned. They’ve lived up to the plan, and they’re strong, they’re solid, and sometimes they [Hamas leaders] don’t understand when somebody violates something that you want to give them a second chance.”

“Well, we’ll give them a couple of second chances, but I know Israel has lived up to the plan 100 percent,” he said. “Don’t forget: We made the plan possible by taking out Iran.”

The president also downplayed disagreements between his administration and the Israeli government regarding the makeup of the yet-to-be formed international stabilization force (ISF).

While the US has backed Turkey’s request to contribute troops to the United Nations-mandated force, Israel has thus far rejected any involvement by Ankara in the postwar Gaza Strip.

Trump suggested that Israel would have a voice in determining whether Turkey ultimately plays a role in the ISF.

“A lot will be having to do with Bibi. We are going to be talking about that,” Trump said, pointing to the Israeli leader.

The president avoided weighing in on tensions between Israel and Turkey, saying that “nothing is going to happen,” while praising both leaders.

“I know President Erdogan very well. And as you all know, he’s a very good friend of mine. And I believe that — and I do respect him, and Bibi respects him. And they’re not going to have a problem.”

“We’re not going to have a problem. He’s done a fantastic job. I’m with him all the way. I’m with Bibi all the way. Nothing’s going to happen.”