A report from The Jerusalem Post highlighted a significant phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Trump urged Netanyahu to bring an end to the ongoing war in Gaza.

According to Israeli news outlet N12, Trump stated, “The war is exhausting itself – finish it,” signaling his desire for a swift resolution to the conflict that has persisted for over 18 months.

This conversation, held on Monday evening, reflects a complex dynamic between the two leaders, set against the backdrop of shifting U.S.-Israel relations and regional diplomatic efforts.

The call came at a time when Israel’s military operations in Gaza have intensified, following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire.

The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed nearly 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports over 39,000 deaths, though these figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, while Israel claims to have neutralized approximately 15,000 combatants in Gaza and 1,000 inside Israel during the initial attack.

Trump’s remarks were not limited to ending the war. He emphasized the broader geopolitical implications, suggesting that concluding the conflict could facilitate negotiations with Iran and Saudi Arabia.

“Ending the war will also help in negotiations with Iran and also the Saudis,” Trump reportedly said, expressing optimism about reaching agreements despite anticipating a challenging response from Iran. He added, “The Iranians will give a bad response, but not something that closes the door.”

The conversation underscores a growing tension in the U.S.-Israel relationship, which has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy in the Middle East. While Netanyahu has historically touted his close ties with Trump, recent developments suggest a divergence in priorities.