Trump denies being frustrated with Netanyahu, says Bibi was ‘badly hurt’ by Oct 7

Amid reports in Israeli and foreign media of a growing rift between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump – especially regarding Israel's decision to continue military action in Gaza – Trump recently denied any frustration with Netanyahu. 

In an interview with Fox News’ Brett Baier, who accompanied the U.S. president on his trip to the Gulf region, Trump was asked, “Are you frustrated at all with Prime Minister Netanyahu?” 

“Look, he has got a tough situation,” Trump responded. “You have to remember, there was an October 7 that everyone forgets, one of the most violent days in the history of the world – not the Middle East, the world.” 

Bret Baier: “Are you frustrated at all with Prime Minister Netanyahu?”

President Trump: “No… He’s got a tough situation. You have to remember there was an October 7 that everyone forgets. It was one of the most violent days in the history of the world.”🔥 pic.twitter.com/5H1ZCJ2TZv

— Cheryl E 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🎗️ (@CherylWroteIt) May 17, 2025

Trump went on to say that the Oct. 7, 2023, invasion “wouldn’t have happened” if he had been president, blaming former U.S. President Joe Biden for removing sanctions on Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas activity.

Trump noted that funding for Iranian proxies had diminished as a result of the sanctions imposed during his first term. “Then Biden came along took off all the sanctions on Iran,” he added. 

Pivoting to the topic of Iran’s nuclear negotiations, Trump expressed his view that Iran has no legitimate need for a civilian nuclear program.

“They have oil that lasts for 300 years,” Trump said, questioning why a country with such vast oil and natural gas reserves would require a civilian nuclear program.

The U.S. president also said he recognizes Netanyahu’s frustration with the situation in the Middle East. Asked by Baier if it is “fair to say” that Netanyahu is “not convinced that a deal would be good for the region,” Trump responded, “I think I can say that Bibi is an angry man, and he should be because of October 7th.” 

“He has been badly hurt by that,” Trump continued, “but in another way, he’s been sort of helped because I think he’s fought hard and bravely.” 

Netanyahu has also denied reports about a breakdown in his relationship with th U.S. leader.

Last week, ahead of Trump’s visit, Netanyahu addressed reports of strained relations between the two in a video posted to his personal 𝕏 account, saying, “What can I say? It’s not Trump saying it and it’s not me saying it.”

He also accused the Israeli media of being the source of the reports about a possible growing rift.

“We are currently blessed with a president and an administration that is very, very friendly. And we’re trying to coordinate both the big things as well as the small things,” Netanyahu said in the video ahead of Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. 

While in Saudi Arabia, Trump said his visit to the Gulf was “good for Israel,” affirming that strengthening ties between his administration and the Gulf states would ultimately benefit Israel.

In the interview with Baier, Trump was asked whether the Gulf states would “be a part of the solution” to Gaza. 

“They would be,” Trump responded. “I spoke to all three of them. They absolutely would be.” 

Trump went on to say that all three nations are very wealthy, adding, “they are good people, and they would help, so money is not even the problem.”

The U.S. president confirmed his desire to see the U.S. assume control of the Gaza Strip, echoing comments made while meeting with Gulf leaders. 

“Gaza is a nasty place,” Trump told Baier. “It’s been that way for years. I think it should become a free zone. I call it the freedom zone.” 

Speaking from Qatar on Thursday, Trump addressed the devastation in Gaza and the need for reconstruction, stating: “Gaza has been a territory of death and destruction.” 

“I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good. Make it a freedom zone,” the president said. “Let the United States get involved and make it just a freedom zone.”