As President Donald Trump sets out for the Middle East in the first international trip of his second administration, signs of disagreements have emerged between the U.S. leader and one of the men who most enthusiastically welcomed his return to office.

Netanyahu has long trumpeted his ties to Trump. But the president is sidelining him on urgent issues like the Iran nuclear talks and the conflict with Houthi rebels.

The first sign of Trump’s irritation came during their White House press conference in April. Trump did not reverse the 17 per cent tariffs he had slapped on Israel and pointed out that Israel gets $4bn a year in aid.

The White House’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff has said there is a strong chance of further ceasefire and hostage negotiation breakthroughs after Edan Alexander was freed this week.

Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or release of prisoners with Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, ahead of the expected release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander. A source with knowledge of the situation said the release of Alexander,

Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or release of prisoners with Hamas, but only to a safe corridor to allow the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday.