White House: Trump ‘Caught off Guard’ by Recent Israeli Strikes/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump was reportedly “caught off guard” by recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria and on a Catholic church in Gaza, the White House confirmed Monday. The incidents have introduced unexpected tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump has been pushing for peace in Gaza and Syrian recovery, and the strikes threaten those efforts.
Israeli Strikes and U.S. Response: Quick Looks
- White House confirms Trump was unaware of recent Israeli actions
- Strikes targeted Damascus and Gaza’s only Catholic church
- At least three people killed in Gaza church bombing
- Trump reportedly called Netanyahu to express concern
- Israeli intervention complicates U.S. Gaza peace efforts
- U.S. backing new Syrian government post-civil war
- Trump envoy: Israeli actions create “very bad timing”
- Rare divergence between Trump and Netanyahu noted
- Strikes follow ongoing Israeli campaign against Iran-linked targets
- Catholic Church bombing sparks international outrage
White House: Trump ‘Caught off Guard’ by Recent Israeli Strikes
Deep Look
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was “caught off guard” by a series of Israeli airstrikes last week, including one that devastated Gaza’s only Catholic church and another that bombed Syria’s capital, Damascus, the White House confirmed Monday.
The strikes, ordered by Israel amid escalating regional tensions, have disrupted Trump’s diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Middle East, particularly in Gaza and Syria, where the administration has been advocating for a ceasefire and post-conflict recovery.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged a rare moment of policy misalignment between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, longtime allies known for coordinating closely on foreign policy.
“He was caught off guard by the bombing in Syria and also the bombing of a Catholic church in Gaza,” Leavitt told reporters. “In both accounts, the president quickly called the prime minister to rectify those situations.”
Strikes Stir Global Reaction
The Gaza airstrike, which hit the Church of the Holy Family, led to three civilian deaths and has drawn widespread condemnation from international humanitarian and religious groups. The Syrian strike, which targeted areas near Damascus, marked another direct intervention by Israel into a conflict Trump has tried to deescalate since returning to office.
The administration has been supporting Syria’s fragile transitional government as the country attempts to rebuild after years of civil war. Israel’s military intervention—especially without direct coordination—has the potential to destabilize those efforts.
Tensions Rise Between Allies
While Trump and Netanyahu have historically seen eye to eye—especially during Trump’s first term when he moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and supported annexation plans—this latest episode has exposed friction.
According to sources familiar with the president’s call to Netanyahu, Trump was particularly disturbed by the symbolic and diplomatic fallout of striking a Christian religious site in Gaza. The church, which had become a refuge for civilians during the war, has long been seen as neutral ground.
Envoy: “Bad Timing” for Syria Initiative
Tom Barrack, Trump’s special envoy to Syria, criticized Israel’s decision to act unilaterally.
“Israel’s intervention in Syria creates another very confusing chapter and came at a very bad time,” Barrack told the Associated Press. “We are working diligently to support a peaceful transition in Syria, and this kind of strike complicates our messaging and diplomacy.”
Barrack also indicated that the administration was preparing for high-level talks with Syrian leadership and regional partners next month—talks now jeopardized by renewed violence.
Pressure for Peace in Gaza
The Gaza conflict, now in its 21st month, has pushed the region into widespread humanitarian crisis. Trump has publicly supported a “final ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas, and has floated proposals to allow more international aid into the enclave while backing Israeli security concerns.
However, continued military operations, especially high-profile incidents like the bombing of a religious site, threaten to derail efforts for a negotiated truce. The president’s team has reportedly stepped up pressure on Israel to limit civilian casualties and coordinate more closely on military actions.
Broader Diplomatic Implications
The airstrikes not only rattled U.S.-Israel relations but have triggered international outrage, particularly among Christian communities and human rights organizations. Critics argue that the attack on the church in Gaza violates international norms and endangers diplomatic ties with faith-based and neutral nations.
For Trump, who is campaigning on promises of global stability and American leadership, the episode is a test of his ability to manage complex alliances.
“The president still maintains a good working relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Leavitt insisted. “But this situation required immediate attention and direct communication.”
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