President Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call last year if he actually cares about peace.
Axios reported Sunday that Trump made the blunt assertion while discussing a potential peace deal in the Middle East.
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Trump had read news reports about Netanyahu building additional settlements to please his conservative supporters, something Trump viewed as an unnecessary move meant to anger the Palestinians.
Trump then asked Netanyahu if he genuinely wants peace, according to three sources familiar with the call who spoke to Axios.
A senior official told the news outlet that Trump “has an extremely close and candid relationship with the Prime Minister of Israel and appreciates his strong efforts to enhance the cause of peace in the face of numerous challenges.”
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders added: “The President has great relationships with a number of foreign leaders but that doesn’t mean he can’t be aggressive when it comes to negotiating what’s best for America.”
Trump spoke with Netanyahu earlier this month amid simmering tensions in the Middle East.
The two leaders discussed the protests raging in Gaza.
Palestinian medics said a protester was killed by Israeli forces, one of 17 people reportedly killed during the clashes.