President Trump vetoed Israel’s proposal to shift Gaza’s “yellow line” after a deadly Hamas violation, even as he vowed that Israel “has every right to hit back.”
In a surprising strategic decision, U.S. President Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) proposal to shift the “yellow line” in Gaza—a move that would have expanded Israel’s operational control in the area following a deadly Hamas ceasefire violation that claimed the life of Master Sergeant (Res.) Yona Efraim Feldbaum.
The incident, which Israeli defense officials described as a “severe breach of the Trump-brokered ceasefire,” reignited tensions along the fragile border and prompted the IDF to prepare an immediate counter-operation aimed at securing the site of the attack. The plan, however, required American approval due to its impact on the broader stabilization framework for Gaza.
While Trump has repeatedly declared Israel’s right to respond with force, he ultimately blocked the territorial adjustment, reportedly to preserve the broader diplomatic framework of his 21-point Gaza stabilization plan, which aims to balance Israeli security dominance with phased civilian normalization under U.S. oversight.
“They killed an Israeli soldier. So the Israelis hit back. And they should hit back,” Trump told reporters Tuesday night. “If Hamas does not behave, they will be terminated.” Yet hours later, U.S. officials confirmed that the President had decided against authorizing the proposed shift of the yellow line—signaling Washington’s intent to manage escalation rather than broaden the conflict zone.
The decision has stirred debate in Jerusalem, where several senior officials argue that restraining the IDF sends the wrong signal to Hamas and could embolden further provocations. Security analysts contend that the area in question—lying just east of Rafah—remains a hotbed of tunnel activity and weapons smuggling.
In response, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is set to travel to Washington next week for high-level consultations aimed at persuading the U.S. administration to reconsider. Dermer, one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s most trusted envoys, is expected to present new intelligence supporting Israel’s case for expanded operational control, which Jerusalem views as critical to deterring further Hamas violations and protecting Israeli troops.
Despite the temporary setback, Israeli officials remain confident that U.S.-Israel coordination under Trump remains rock-solid, with both sides committed to achieving a demilitarized Gaza and the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military infrastructure.
Trump’s veto, while tactical, underscores the delicate balancing act of his Middle East doctrine—backing Israel’s right to self-defense while carefully calibrating each move to maintain the stability of his broader regional framework.
