Israel resumed its military offensive in Gaza in March, blaming Hamas for rejecting a new US proposal to extend the ceasefire and free the remaining hostages. Since then, the Israeli military has launched waves of airstrikes on the besieged territory, killing hundreds of Palestinians and forcing many more to evacuate.

The Israeli military is widening its area of control into large parts of the Gaza Strip, the country's defense chief says. Meanwhile, Germany announced that some of its citizens have left the territory.

But backing Israel is expensive and Mr Trump hates spending lavishly to defend America’s allies. On top of $18bn in military aid, America has burned through at least $5bn to fund its own military operations in the Middle East since October 7th. The president may eventually balk at the cost of supporting a hegemonic Israel.