In a highly anticipated meeting at the White House on Monday, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to delve into the latest U.S.-backed strategies for post-conflict Gaza. Both leaders are hopeful these discussions will finally lead to a resolution for the protracted two-year conflict plaguing the region.
This upcoming session marks their fourth encounter in Washington since President Trump’s return to office in January. While previous meetings sparked optimism for a cease-fire, a definitive end to the hostilities has remained elusive.
The timing of these talks is crucial, occurring amidst a flurry of international initiatives aimed at formulating solid plans for Gaza’s governance once the fighting ceases. The Trump administration is reportedly considering a proposal put forth by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, even as France and several Arab nations have presented their distinct visions for the territory’s future.
This gathering takes place just after a challenging week for Israel on the global stage, which saw its international isolation intensify. Britain, France, and other European nations publicly declared their intent to recognize a Palestinian state, a move that directly defied Israeli objections.
Even President Trump, a staunch ally of Israel, has expressed growing frustration with the conflict, which is poised to enter its third year this October. He has also emphatically stated that he “will not allow” Israel to annex portions of the occupied West Bank – a territory integral to the aspirations of many Palestinians for their future state.
Just last week in New York, President Trump engaged in discussions with leaders from various Arab and Muslim-majority nations concerning his administration’s proposed framework for a post-war Gaza. However, questions linger about the extent of leverage President Trump is prepared to exert should Prime Minister Netanyahu resist the most recent proposals for concluding the war and establishing a new governing body in Gaza.
On Sunday, Vice President JD Vance characterized the ongoing discussions among Arab leaders, Israel, and the Trump administration as a “complicated negotiation.” While he conveyed cautious optimism for a breakthrough, Vance acknowledged the ever-present risk that the agreement could be “derailed at the very last minute.”
Historically, Prime Minister Netanyahu has shown a preference for continuing the military campaign against Hamas over making compromises. His far-right coalition partners openly advocate for indefinite Israeli control over Gaza and the expansion of Jewish settlements within the territory.
In a recent interview with Fox News on Sunday, Netanyahu expressed his hope that Israel could “make it a go” on President Trump’s proposal, clarifying that it “has not been finalized yet.”
He further hinted that Israel might consider offering amnesty to Hamas members, provided they agree to end the conflict and release all remaining hostages.
Coinciding with these diplomatic efforts, a delegation of Israeli settler leaders arrived in the United States on Sunday, aiming to meet with Netanyahu. Their objective is to urge him to disregard Trump’s stance against annexation. These leaders, alongside other right-wing Israelis, have actively campaigned for Israel to annex the territory, especially after recent European recognitions of a Palestinian state.
The conflict in Gaza ignited on October 7, 2023, following a devastating surprise attack by Hamas on Israel that claimed approximately 1,200 lives and resulted in hundreds being taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent counteroffensive in Gaza has tragically led to over 65,000 deaths, including thousands of children, according to Gaza health officials. It’s important to note that these figures do not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties.
Hamas announced on Sunday that it had not yet formally received the most recent cease-fire proposal. Negotiations have been stalled ever since Israel launched an attack on Qatar on September 9th, in an audacious attempt to eliminate Hamas’s senior leadership based in the Persian Gulf nation. This strike provoked widespread international condemnation.
The armed group has waged a persistent guerrilla war within Gaza, drawing criticism from some Palestinians who believe a cease-fire with Israel should have been prioritized to prevent further loss of life and devastation.
Currently, Israeli forces are conducting widespread operations across Gaza City, compelling hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to abandon their homes in search of safety. For many, these past two years have been an unending cycle of displacement, marked by terror, severe food shortages, and relentless bombardments.
The conflict has severely eroded Israel’s standing on the international stage. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces a warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, several of Israel’s long-standing allies have recognized a Palestinian state despite its protests, and Israelis traveling internationally frequently report encountering demonstrations and harassment.
However, despite the immense human cost to Gaza and its inhabitants, the war has yet to achieve its stated objectives of forcing Hamas’s surrender or securing the release of all remaining hostages. Israeli authorities report that at least 20 living captives, alongside the remains of approximately 25 others, are still being held in the territory.
In response to mounting criticism, Netanyahu has maintained a defiant stance, asserting that Israel has taken extraordinary measures to protect Gaza’s civilians by issuing evacuation orders prior to military operations.
During a speech at the United Nations General Assembly last week, Netanyahu dismissed his detractors as “weak-kneed leaders” who have capitulated to “antisemitic mobs.”
Nadav Shtrauchler, a former advisor to Netanyahu and a respected Israeli political analyst, noted that the Prime Minister is already strategizing for the country’s upcoming elections, anticipated next year.
This political foresight might provide Netanyahu with a compelling reason to accept Trump’s proposal and “wind down” the Gaza campaign, even if such a decision were to destabilize his government and spark resistance from his right-wing allies, Shtrauchler suggested.
“He’s actively seeking an exit strategy from the current predicament,” stated Mr. Shtrauchler, adding, “This particular formula could very well be his path forward.”