President Donald Trump said Monday that his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains "very good," even after Netanyahu rejected the American roadmap for the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu had already voiced reservations about the text, which is meant to advance what is described as the second phase of Trump's plan for the Palestinian territory. On Sunday he went further, saying he rejects the document outright.
No withdrawal until Hamas disarms
Netanyahu said the Israeli military will not carry out any withdrawal from the Gaza Strip as long as Hamas has not genuinely disarmed. He said his government does not accept the 15-point document, a position that aligns him with his far-right coalition partners ahead of parliamentary elections expected in the autumn.
Netanyahu described Trump as the greatest friend Israel has had in the White House, but made clear he intends to stand against him on this issue. He said the Americans have ideas, some of which are acceptable to Israel and others not, and that Israel knows how to defend its positions on these matters.
April tensions between the two leaders
The relationship between the two men appeared to strain in April, during negotiations over a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. At the time, Trump directed unusually harsh criticism at his Israeli ally, accusing him of trying to undermine Washington's efforts.
