Trump shrugs off European moves on Gaza, stands by Netanyahu: Politico
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Politico reports that while European nations move to sanction "Israel" and recognize Palestinian statehood, Trump has dismissed these efforts and blocked Palestinian participation at the UN.
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US President Donald Trump reviews the Guard of Honour after the arrival at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Wednesday, September 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, Pool)
Politico revealed on Thursday that US President Donald Trump has no intention of joining European nations in efforts to hold "Israel" accountable for its ongoing war on Gaza.
While EU leaders push forward with economic penalties and symbolic recognition of Palestinian statehood, Trump has chosen to stand firmly by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
According to two people familiar with his views, Trump, who is currently in the United Kingdom on a state visit, "doesn't care much" about European moves to isolate "Israel." One source added that he "doesn't necessarily agree with it" but "he's also not going to lose sleep over what Europe does, especially when it's mostly symbolic."
European leaders announced on Wednesday a plan to impose tariffs on €5.8 billion worth of Israeli exports and sanction two key members of Netanyahu's cabinet. The initiative, linked to a UN General Assembly meeting next week, is aimed at propping global support for a so-called "two-state" solution.
A French official involved said the announcement would "create a pressure" by showing collective commitment, though they admitted it may not immediately force Netanyahu to stop the bombardment of Gaza.
Shielding Israeli Crimes
According to Politico, despite his recent anger over "Israel's" strike in Qatar that killed Hamas officials, Trump has dismissed European recognition of Palestine, claiming it would amount to "rewarding Hamas."
"I don't think they should be rewarded," he said earlier this summer after France, Britain, and Canada signaled their recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The White House has gone further by restricting Palestinian voices from being heard on the world stage. Over 80 Palestinian representatives, including President Mahmoud Abbas, have been denied visas to attend the UN General Assembly in New York.
US officials accused them of "undermining negotiations" by seeking international justice mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court, which has charged "Israel" with war crimes.
When asked this week about "Israel's" bombardment, Trump deflected attention to Hamas, stating, "I hear Hamas is trying to use the old human shield deal. And if they do, then they're going to be in big trouble."
Meanwhile, senior members of his administration criticized Europe's recognition of Palestinian statehood. US Ambassador to "Israel" Mike Huckabee said in occupied Al-Quds that "European nations going and having this push for a unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state…destroyed negotiations."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that position, calling European measures "largely symbolic" but warning of "real-world implications" that, in Washington's view, would obstruct peace.
Read more: Japan yields to US pressure, says won't recognize Palestinian state
In reality, according to Politico, Europe's moves mark a rare willingness to apply pressure on "Israel's" occupation and to extend legitimacy to Palestinian aspirations for self-determination, a step Washington continues to deny by shielding "Israel" from accountability at international forums.
