Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently hinted at a potential breakthrough in the ongoing Middle East crisis, stating on Sunday (September 28, 2025) that “all are on board for something special.” This announcement came just before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to the White House.
“We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST,” Mr. Trump declared on his Truth Social platform. “ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”
Earlier that Friday (September 26, 2025), Mr. Trump had already informed reporters in Washington that he believed “we have a deal” concerning Gaza. He added, “I think it’s a deal that will get the hostages back, I think it’s a deal that will end the war.”
Mr. Netanyahu’s meeting with Mr. Trump, slated for Monday (September 29, 2025), follows the U.S. President’s unveiling of a 21-point plan aimed at resolving the conflict in the Palestinian territory. This plan was discussed with Arab and Muslim leaders during the UN General Assembly sidelines. The timing is particularly notable as international pressure on Israel grows, with countries like Britain, France, Canada, and Australia moving to officially recognize Palestinian statehood, a departure from long-standing U.S.-led diplomatic norms.
According to a diplomatic source, Mr. Trump’s plan includes provisions for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a substantial increase in humanitarian aid.
“I hope we can, we can make it a go, because we want to free our hostages,” Mr. Netanyahu stated on Fox News on Sunday (September 28, 2025).
He further elaborated, “We want to get rid of Hamas rule and have them disarmed, Gaza demilitarized, and a new future set up for Gazans and Israelis alike, and for the whole region.”
While Arab and Muslim leaders generally welcomed the proposal, they also reiterated calls for an immediate cessation of Israel’s military operations and any occupation of Gaza.
One of the more contentious elements of the proposed plan is the inclusion of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s future governance.
“I think that the credibility or the likelihood of… a reformed Palestinian Authority that changes completely its stripes, you know, that accepts a Jewish state that teaches its children to embrace the coexistence and and friendship with the Jewish state, rather than living their lives in order to annihilate it… well, good luck,” Mr. Netanyahu commented, expressing skepticism. “I don’t think it’s going to happen,” he concluded.
During his address to the United Nations on Friday (September 26, 2025), Mr. Netanyahu had publicly committed to blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state while also pledging to “finish the job” against Hamas.