U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed reports suggesting he advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a softer tone following Hamas’s partial acceptance of key elements in his proposed Gaza peace plan. Trump clarified that he never told Netanyahu to “be less negative,” emphasizing instead that the Israeli leader has been supportive and that Israel has shown great cooperation throughout the process.

Trump addresses reports of private advice

The controversy emerged after a report claimed Trump had privately urged Netanyahu to respond more positively to Hamas’s reaction to the peace proposal. According to that account, Trump allegedly encouraged the Israeli leader to “celebrate” what was described as a potential breakthrough moment in the long-standing conflict. However, Trump publicly rejected this version of events, labeling it as “not true.”

Clarifying his stance on Israel and Gaza

In his remarks, Trump reiterated his consistent support for Israel and its leadership. He stated that Netanyahu had been “positive” throughout discussions surrounding the peace initiative and praised Israel’s approach during ongoing diplomatic efforts. His comments were intended to dispel any suggestion of tension between Washington and Jerusalem over how to interpret Hamas’s response to the plan.

The context behind Hamas’s partial acceptance

Hamas’s decision to accept certain aspects of Trump’s Gaza peace framework was seen by some observers as an unexpected development in a region often marked by stalemate. The move reportedly included agreement on several humanitarian and governance provisions but stopped short of full endorsement of the proposal. This partial acceptance prompted varied reactions from international stakeholders, with some viewing it as a step toward dialogue and others expressing skepticism about its long-term implications.

Reactions from political circles

Following the initial report about Trump’s alleged comments, political analysts speculated about possible friction between U.S. and Israeli leaderships over messaging strategies. However, Trump’s denial sought to reaffirm alignment with Netanyahu on matters concerning regional security and diplomacy. His statement also underscored his administration’s continued emphasis on maintaining strong bilateral ties with Israel while pursuing broader Middle East peace efforts.

Media coverage and public interpretation

The story gained traction across multiple media outlets, sparking debate about how leaders communicate sensitive diplomatic developments behind closed doors. While some commentators suggested that encouraging optimism could have been a strategic move, others noted that such reports often rely on unnamed sources and can misrepresent private conversations. By directly addressing the claim, Trump aimed to clarify his position and prevent further speculation about internal discussions related to the Gaza initiative.

In conclusion, Trump’s firm denial of having told Netanyahu to moderate his tone highlights both leaders’ ongoing coordination amid complex regional negotiations. His remarks reinforced a message of unity between Washington and Jerusalem while reiterating confidence in Israel’s handling of peace-related matters. The clarification also served as a reminder of how quickly unverified reports can influence perceptions surrounding high-stakes diplomacy in the Middle East.