A Hebrew-language channel quoted unnamed informed sources regarding new details about the content of the phone call between Trump and Netanyahu on Monday.
The channel reported: "Trump told Netanyahu in yesterday's call some phrases that the US administration had never said before, and they seemed decisive," explaining that he clearly told him: "I want you to end the war."
Trump considered that "it's not just the (US Middle East envoy Steve) Witkoff deal that is possible, but both of them (ending the war and exchanging prisoners). The war must end. It has exhausted itself," adding that "ending the war will help in the negotiations, whether with Iran or with the Saudis," according to the channel.
With American support, Israel has been waging a genocidal war in Gaza since October 7, 2023, including killing, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, ignoring all international calls and orders from the International Court of Justice to halt the operation.
The genocide left approximately 182,000 Palestinians dead and wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 11,000 missing. Hundreds of thousands were displaced, and famine claimed the lives of many, including children.
The channel said that these statements "we have never heard from Trump before," adding, "It remains unclear whether they are merely an initial political signal on his part or a prelude to a decisive and imminent step that may include actual pressure on the Israeli government."
She considered that "these statements may also explain the recent progress in the negotiations regarding a deal to return the kidnapped (Israeli prisoners), which Netanyahu described as 'remarkable.'"
Tel Aviv estimates that there are 56 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, 20 of whom are still alive. Meanwhile, more than 10,400 Palestinians are languishing in its prisons, suffering torture, starvation, and medical neglect, many of whom have died, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.
Hamas has repeatedly declared its willingness to release Israeli prisoners "in bulk" in exchange for an end to the war of extermination, the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation army from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
But Netanyahu, who is wanted by international justice, is evading the situation by proposing new conditions, including the disarmament of Palestinian factions, and is currently insisting on reoccupying Gaza.
The Israeli opposition and the prisoners' families assert that Netanyahu is continuing the war in deference to the more extreme right-wing faction within his government, to advance his personal political interests, particularly his continued hold on power.
Iran nuclear
Regarding Iran, during the phone call, Trump asked Netanyahu to "remove the option of attacking nuclear facilities from the agenda," saying, "I have not lost hope in negotiations. The Iranians will give a bad response, but that will not close the door" to negotiations, according to the channel.
Netanyahu responded that "a credible military threat against Iran must be maintained at all times," but Trump added, "I believe I will eventually reach an agreement, but for now, the option of attack must be taken off the table."
On Monday, Iran announced that it possesses secret documents relating to Israeli nuclear facilities and projects, which would enable it to target secret nuclear facilities and economic and military infrastructure should Tel Aviv attack Iranian nuclear facilities.
On the same day, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that the sixth round of nuclear talks with the United States would be held on June 15 in the Omani capital, Muscat.
Trump revealed last May that he had informed Netanyahu that Washington wanted to conclude an agreement with Tehran regarding its nuclear program and warned him against undermining the negotiations by launching a military attack.
The United States, its ally Israel, and other countries accuse Iran of seeking to produce nuclear weapons, while Tehran says its program is designed for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation.
Israel is the only country in the region with a nuclear arsenal, which is not subject to international oversight, and has continued to occupy Arab lands in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon for decades.
Both Israel and Iran consider each other their primary enemy and have traded accusations of responsibility for sabotage, espionage, and cyber attacks for years.
