President Donald Trump expressed surprise over the recent Israeli strikes in Syria, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday. Her remarks signaled a rare moment of tension between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two leaders usually align closely on politics and foreign policy. However, Trump now pushes to end the war in Gaza while supporting Syria’s fragile new government. The Israeli strikes in Syria threaten to disrupt those efforts.
Last week, Israel launched an attack that hit Gaza’s only Catholic church, killing three people. The strike sparked widespread outrage. Meanwhile, Israel also bombed Damascus amid fresh sectarian violence in Syria’s capital.
Leavitt told reporters, “The president has a good working relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu, but he was caught off guard by the bombing in Syria and the attack on the Catholic church in Gaza.”
She added, “In both cases, the president quickly called the prime minister to address the situation.”
Trump’s special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, told The Associated Press that Israel’s intervention “creates another very confusing chapter.” He said the timing “could not have been worse.”
The president faces a difficult balancing act. On one hand, he supports Israel’s security concerns. On the other, he seeks to ease regional tensions and promote peace.
Observers note that the Israeli strikes in Syria come amid heightened U.S. diplomatic efforts. Trump wants to stabilize the region while protecting religious sites and civilians.
Moreover, the attacks complicate relations with Syria’s government, which struggles to regain control after years of civil war. The strikes may fuel further sectarian violence.
Leavitt emphasized that Trump remains committed to dialogue. The president intends to work closely with Netanyahu to prevent further escalation.
As the situation develops, the White House aims to calm fears and push for a diplomatic resolution. Trump’s quick calls to Netanyahu show his desire to manage conflicts swiftly.
Overall, the recent Israeli strikes in Syria have introduced new challenges to U.S. foreign policy. Yet, Trump continues to urge cooperation and peace in the region.
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