Thu May 08 08:16:31 UTC 2025: ## US Urges Israel to Accept Gaza Ceasefire, Threatens to Proceed with Saudi Deal Without Them

**Washington D.C./Jerusalem –** The Trump administration is reportedly applying intense pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize a landmark deal between the US and Saudi Arabia. According to Israeli media, a senior US official met with families of Israeli captives held in Gaza, delivering a blunt message that President Trump is losing patience with Israel’s stance on stalled ceasefire negotiations.

The official reportedly warned that the US intends to move forward with its proposed deal with Saudi Arabia, even without Israeli participation. This deal, aiming to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, includes a US defense pact and advanced weapons for Saudi Arabia in exchange for recognizing Israel. While Saudi Arabia initially demanded concrete steps toward a two-state solution, recent reports suggest they may accept symbolic gestures if the US offers sufficient incentives. Disagreements over uranium enrichment for a Saudi nuclear program remain.

The US official reportedly stated that Israel could face “a much heavier price” for its continued opposition to a ceasefire, adding that the US “will not wait” for Israel to join what the official described as a “historic train” already underway. The official also voiced concerns that ongoing Israeli military operations could endanger the lives of the captives.

The news comes as Israel’s ambassador to Washington is lobbying the White House for a brief stop in Israel during President Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The potential exclusion of Israel from the US-Saudi agreement has reportedly alarmed some Israeli officials, given the long-standing close relationship between the two countries. The unusually forceful tone of the US official’s message has also raised eyebrows. Families of the captives, while hoping for increased international pressure, expressed concern over the blunt warning. The situation highlights the escalating tensions and the high stakes involved in the ongoing negotiations.

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