What Happened and Why It Matters
In mid‑July 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes in Syria—targeting military sites near Damascus and the Druze‑majority city of Sweida—as well as striking a Catholic church in Gaza, reportedly killing three people and wounding others(AP News). These operations occurred shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Washington visit, where a U.S.-brokered cease‑fire was under discussion. What made the situation unusual was the open surprise expressed by President Donald Trump—a rare instance of divergence from his typically staunch support for Israel.
The White House Reaction
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly stated that Trump was “caught off guard” by both the Syria bombing and the strike on Gaza’s Catholic church(TIME, AP News). According to Leavitt:
- Trump maintains “a good working relationship” with Netanyahu, but the strikes were unexpected.
- In both cases, Trump “quickly called” Netanyahu to “rectify” the situations(AP News, AP News).
The use of terms like “caught off guard” and “rectify” signals a rare friction point in U.S.–Israel coordination, especially since both countries had previously cooperated on strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities(AP News).
Why This Break in Alignment Matters
Typically, Trump has aligned closely with Netanyahu, particularly supporting military actions against Iran(AP News). But this renewed Israeli aggression has:
- Undermined U.S. efforts to stabilize Gaza and implement a Gaza cease‑fire.
- Threatened delicate steps toward a diplomatic reset with Syria, as Trump administration was lifting sanctions and supporting a new Syrian government(The Australian, The Guardian).
- Created tension as U.S.-brokered cease‑fire efforts in both Syria and Gaza were being challenged(The Guardian).
Trump’s public reaction—calling Netanyahu and expressing dismay—marks an unusual moment of confrontation within a typically aligned relationship.
Broader Context & Implications
- Syria: The strikes focused on Damascus and Sweida, targeting Syrian military positions linked to protecting the Druze community amid sectarian clashes. The Syrian government condemned the strikes, which risk unraveling a fragile cease‑fire brokered by the U.S.(CNA, The Guardian).
- Gaza: Israel’s accidental hit on Gaza’s lone Catholic church killed three, angering Christian humanitarian communities and drawing global condemnation. Netanyahu later apologized to the Pope, attributing it to a stray missile(The Guardian).
These incidents reflect a growing strategic rift, in which Israel is asserting its security doctrine—sometimes independently of U.S. diplomacy(TIME, Vox). U.S. officials, including Tom Barrack, Trump’s envoy to Syria, warned the strikes “came at a very bad time” and could complicate peace efforts(AP News)
What Happens Next
- Trump will likely press for a cease‑fire in Gaza and push for Syria stabilization, calling for hostage releases and reduced violence(ynetnews, TRT Global).
- This disagreement might prompt Israel to recalibrate its military decision-making when the U.S. is pursuing diplomatic openings.
- It also signals to other regional players that even staunch U.S.–Israel allies can diverge, opening space for U.S. engagement elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
The phrase “caught off guard” captures both frustration and realignment within U.S.–Israel relations. Israel’s unilateral actions—striking Syria and Gaza’s Catholic church—have disrupted U.S. peace efforts, prompting a rare moment of public tension. Trump’s swift engagement with Netanyahu underscores the delicate balancing act between supporting an ally and protecting diplomatic priorities.
