US President Donald Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday for high-stakes discussions on a proposed Gaza peace deal.
Trump insists a breakthrough is near, saying Arab leaders are already on board with a US-led plan aimed at ending the nearly two-year war in Gaza, freeing hostages held by Hamas, and disarming the militant group. On Sunday, he teased progress on Truth Social:
“ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”
Netanyahu, however, has shown little sign of compromise. In a defiant UN speech last week, he vowed to “finish the job” against Hamas and rejected a Palestinian state, despite recognition from key Western nations. He also continues to back Israel’s offensive in Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands have fled.
The White House meeting marks Netanyahu’s fourth visit since Trump returned to office in January. While long seen as a close ally, Trump has recently expressed frustration, warning Netanyahu against annexing the West Bank and opposing an Israeli strike on Hamas members in Qatar, a key US ally.
Families of Israeli hostages have appealed to Trump to stand firm behind his proposed ceasefire, urging him not to allow interference that could derail progress.
Reports suggest the US has floated a 21-point peace framework that includes Hamas disarmament, hostage releases, and a transitional governing body for Gaza. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been mentioned as a possible leader of the proposed “Gaza International Transitional Authority,” backed by the UN and Gulf nations before control could return to a reformed Palestinian Authority.
Netanyahu has dismissed any role for the PA, questioning its credibility and willingness to change.
The meeting’s outcome may depend on how much pressure Trump is willing to apply. “Netanyahu has a clear preference for continuing the war and defeating Hamas, but it’s not impossible for Trump to convince him otherwise,” said Natan Sachs of the Middle East Institute. “It would need a lot of pressure from Trump and a very clear and sustained strategy.”
The two leaders are expected to hold a joint press conference at 1:15 pm US Eastern Time (1715 GMT) on Monday.
