Tension erupts between US, Israel over Trump administration's direct talks with Hamas: Report

WASHINGTON

Tensions have erupted between Israel and the Trump administration over US talks with Hamas, culminating in a heated phone call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top aide and a senior American official, according to a report on Friday.

Ron Dermer, Netanyahu’s closest confidant, voiced strong objections in a call with US hostage envoy Adam Boehler on Tuesday, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

In early February, Israeli officials advised Trump aides against direct engagement with Hamas, especially without preconditions, but Israel later learned the US was proceeding anyway, the news website said.

Trump defended the talks Thursday, saying they benefit Israel by focusing on its hostages. Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, set to visit the region next week, called American hostage Edan Alexander's release a "top priority."