Following a series of Israeli airstrikes in Syria—despite clear objections from U.S. President Donald Trump—the White House is growing increasingly concerned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is acting recklessly and jeopardizing U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region. “Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time,” a senior White House official told Axios. “This could undermine what Trump is trying to do.”
Tensions have been rising within the administration, particularly after an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City led to multiple civilian deaths and triggered international condemnation. President Trump reportedly called Netanyahu personally to demand an explanation. “The feeling is that every day there is something new. What the fuck?” another U.S. official remarked.
A third administration source expressed mounting frustration with Netanyahu’s unpredictability: “He’s got a trigger finger and causes unnecessary chaos. It’s like dealing with a child who won’t behave.”
The latest controversy erupted after Israeli warplanes targeted a Syrian Army convoy en route to Suwayda, where the troops were being deployed to contain ongoing clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribal fighters. Israel justified the strike by claiming the convoy had entered a demilitarized zone and was allegedly participating in attacks against the Druze minority—claims the Syrian government denies.
U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, had urged Israeli officials to halt further strikes and give diplomacy a chance. While Israel initially appeared to comply, it resumed airstrikes shortly afterward, hitting both the Syrian Ministry of Defense and the Presidential Palace in Damascus—moves that reportedly blindsided the White House.
“The president doesn’t like turning on the television and seeing bombs dropped in a country where he just made a major announcement about peace and reconstruction,” one U.S. official said.
In response, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly delivered a direct message to Netanyahu on Wednesday, demanding an immediate end to the airstrikes. Netanyahu agreed—on the condition that Syrian forces withdraw from Suwayda. However, by then, the diplomatic fallout had already spread, with countries like Turkey and Saudi Arabia lodging sharp protests with Washington. Senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Tom Barrack also brought their concerns directly to President Trump, expressing frustration over Netanyahu’s actions.
