In a direct message to the White House, Mr Netanyahu stated that “we know how to stand our ground, even against our best friends when necessary.” Meanwhile, the world’s attention has shifted to Mr Trump’s illegal and reckless war on Iran – a grievous miscalculation in which Israel’s prime minister also played his part. In calling for complete Hamas disarmament before Israel makes a move, Mr Netanyahu is transparently playing for time. Should Mr Netanyahu lose, he could face jail in relation to corruption charges first laid more than five years ago. Mr Trump has a choice: he can continue to accept being played by Israel’s prime minister, or he can exert the kind of pressure that could bring genuine relief to Gaza.