A new book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan says Donald Trump’s administration nearly unraveled over the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, exposing a deeply strained relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu. The book, “Revolution: Inside Donald Trump’s Imperial Presidency,” covers Trump’s first year in his second term and describes the behind-the-scenes fight over the eventual deal.
According to the book, the crisis began after an Israeli Air Force strike on Hamas leaders in Doha on September 9. The attack came one day after Netanyahu adviser Ron Dermer met in Miami with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Afterward, Kushner and Witkoff told White House officials that “Dermer lied to us,” and Kushner reportedly said privately, “I’m out. The Israelis are crazy.”
Kushner then drafted Trump’s 20-point plan, later revised by Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Trump presented the proposal to Arab and Muslim leaders before Israel saw it. When Netanyahu called the president, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles put Trump on the line and connected Kushner and Witkoff to the call as well.
During the tense phone call, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, Trump shouted at Netanyahu, “Everybody’s sick of you, Bibi.” He added, “All the Jews are sick of you. Even the two Jews in this call are sick of you,” and told him, “*** you cannot back out of this. I’m the best friend Israel ever had. Everybody hates you, and I stood by you. It’s a great deal for Israel.” Despite the confrontation, Netanyahu ultimately accepted the framework. Two days later, the two leaders appeared together at a joint press conference, where Trump said Netanyahu would have his full backing if Hamas refused to sign. The deal was formally signed on October 8, and shortly afterward the last 20 living hostages in Gaza were released.
