Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel arrived at the White House on Monday for pivotal discussions with President Trump. The agenda centers on the latest U.S.-backed proposals for a postwar Gaza, with both leaders hoping to find a path toward resolving the two-year conflict. This marks their fourth meeting in Washington since Mr. Trump re-entered office in January. While previous encounters briefly sparked hopes for a cease-fire, the intense fighting has persisted, tragically claiming tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.
This latest summit unfolds against a backdrop of intensified international efforts to outline concrete plans for Gaza’s governance once hostilities cease. The Trump administration is reportedly reviewing a proposal from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, while France and several Arab nations have put forth their own initiatives.
The meeting also follows a week of increasing international isolation for Israel. Britain, France, and other European countries have announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, a move met with strong objections from Israel.
Mr. Trump, historically a staunch supporter of Israel, has recently expressed his impatience with the prolonged conflict. He has firmly stated he “will not allow” Israel to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, an area many Palestinians envision as part of a future independent state. However, the extent of leverage Mr. Trump is prepared to use if Mr. Netanyahu remains resistant to the latest peace proposals for Gaza’s future remains uncertain.
In past negotiations, Mr. Netanyahu has consistently resisted compromises, opting instead to continue the war against Hamas. His far-right coalition partners openly advocate for indefinite Israeli control over Gaza and the expansion of Jewish settlements there.
On Sunday, Mr. Netanyahu cautiously expressed optimism about Mr. Trump’s proposal, telling Fox News, “We’re working on it; it’s not been finalized yet. I hope we can make it a go.” He even hinted at a willingness to grant amnesty to Hamas members if they agreed to end the war and release the remaining hostages. These captives were abducted to Gaza during Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and hundreds taken captive. Gaza health officials report that Israel’s subsequent counterattack has led to over 65,000 deaths, including thousands of children, a figure that does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Here’s a closer look at the unfolding situation:
- Cautious Optimism: Vice President JD Vance indicated on Sunday that complex negotiations are underway between Arab leaders, Israel, and the Trump administration regarding Gaza’s postwar future. Despite expressing cautious hope for a breakthrough, Mr. Vance acknowledged that any deal could ‘get derailed at the very last minute.’
- Cease-fire Stalemate: Hamas confirmed on Sunday that it had not yet received a formal copy of the latest cease-fire proposal. Negotiations have been stalled since Israel’s September 9 bombing of Qatar, an attempt to assassinate Hamas’s top leadership, an audacious attack that garnered widespread international condemnation.
- Ongoing Conflict: Even as discussions about Gaza’s future take place, Israeli forces continue their sweep through Gaza City, displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Many have endured multiple displacements over the past two years, trapped in a relentless cycle of fear, hunger, and bombardment.
- Global Standing Deteriorates: The prolonged conflict has significantly damaged Israel’s international standing. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces allegations of war crimes from the International Criminal Court, several long-standing European allies have recognized a Palestinian state despite Israeli objections, and Israelis traveling abroad increasingly encounter protests and harassment.
- Hostage Crisis Continues: Despite the immense human cost in Gaza, the conflict has not compelled Hamas to surrender or release the remaining hostages. Israel estimates that at least 20 living captives and the bodies of approximately 25 others are still held within the territory.
Update on Hostage Families’ Hopes
Families of Israeli hostages are fervently hoping that the meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump will lead to the immediate release of their loved ones from Gaza. While many hostages have been returned, an estimated 20 are still alive from the more than 200 seized during the 2023 Hamas-led attack that sparked the war. Many families are urging President Trump to compel Netanyahu to accept an agreement if necessary, expressing profound fear that the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza City could endanger their surviving family members. Ilana Gritzewsky, a freed hostage whose partner, Matan, remains captive in Gaza, recently stated, “President Trump, you have the power to end the war and bring all the hostages home.”
The Palestinian Authority’s Potential Role in Gaza’s Future
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for his meeting with President Trump, new proposals are actively circulating to end the Gaza conflict and establish governance for the territory. A key question is whether the Palestinian Authority will play any part.
The Palestinian Authority currently governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and views itself as the legitimate government of a future Palestinian state.
What is the Palestinian Authority?
The Palestinian Authority was formed in 1994, an outcome of the Oslo Accords – a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. It was designed as a temporary administrative body, a stepping stone towards what many hoped would be an independent Palestinian state. It oversees Palestinian-populated areas in the West Bank and collaborates with Israel on security matters, though their relationship has often been tense.
Last week, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a video address to the U.N. General Assembly, accusing Israel of committing ‘war crimes’ in Gaza. He spoke remotely because the Trump administration denied entry visas to him and his delegation, citing national security concerns.
Who is Mahmoud Abbas?
Mr. Abbas, 89, has served as President of the Palestinian Authority since 2005. Although initially elected for a four-year term, there have been no Palestinian national elections since 2006. Critics describe his administration as corrupt and authoritarian, with recent polls indicating that most Palestinians desire his resignation. Israeli officials have long criticized the Authority for mismanagement and fostering anti-Israel sentiment. ‘The Palestinian Authority is corrupt to the core,’ Mr. Netanyahu asserted during his own U.N. address last week. Supporters, however, argue that its corruption is no worse than other Arab governments and that Israeli occupation hinders its effectiveness.
What does recognition of a Palestinian state mean?
This month, several nations, including Israeli allies like France, Britain, and Canada, officially recognized Palestinian statehood. They join nearly 150 countries that have either already recognized or are expected to soon recognize a Palestinian state. This move, largely symbolic in its support for Palestinian self-determination, has further isolated Israel. Both Israel and its allies in Washington oppose such recognition, viewing it as a reward for Hamas, the Islamist group that has historically controlled Gaza and initiated the 2023 attack on Israel, triggering the current war. Hamas and the Palestinian Authority are long-standing rivals for leadership among Palestinians. Angered by the recent international endorsements of Palestinian statehood, Israeli officials have hinted at annexing at least part of the occupied West Bank in retaliation. However, Mr. Trump stated last week that he would not permit Israel to do so.
What role could the Palestinian Authority play in a postwar Gaza?
Ending the war in Gaza faces significant hurdles. Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked on core issues, and Israel recently intensified its military campaign with a ground offensive to seize Gaza City. Mr. Abbas considers Gaza an essential component of a future Palestinian state. Last week, he declared his government’s readiness to assume responsibility for the enclave, vowing that Hamas would have no role in its postwar governance. Among the various new proposals for ending the conflict and overseeing Gaza afterward, one suggests a limited governance role for the Palestinian Authority. However, given existing criticisms of its corruption, this proposal mandates substantial reforms to the Authority, particularly concerning its security practices. Another plan, known as the New York declaration, proposes that postwar Gaza be governed by a transitional committee operating under the Palestinian Authority, with elections to be held within a year of a cease-fire. Hamas, on Sunday, claimed it had not received any new proposals from mediators and that cease-fire negotiations remain at a standstill.
What is the Palestinian Authority’s relationship with Hamas?
A profound and long-standing feud divides the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. In 2006, Hamas won Palestinian legislative elections, narrowly defeating Mr. Abbas’s rival Fatah movement. The following year, Hamas violently expelled the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority from the Gaza Strip, establishing full control. Numerous attempts at reconciliation between the two factions have failed. Mr. Abbas has condemned the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, asserting that Palestinians aspire to a modern state with a peaceful transition of power. He maintains there is no place for an armed Hamas in this vision and has urged the group to disarm. Hamas, in turn, has rejected Mr. Abbas’s assertion of no role in a Gaza government, calling it ‘an infringement on our Palestinian people’s inherent right to self-determination,’ and has vowed not to lay down its weapons ‘as long as the occupation continues.’ Ephrat Livni contributed reporting.
Update on Pressure on Netanyahu
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with President Trump to discuss Gaza’s future, he faces considerable pressure from his right-wing coalition allies to adopt an unyielding stance. Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, outlined several “red lines” to Netanyahu on Monday. These include maintaining a permanent Israeli military presence in Gaza and completely excluding the internationally supported Palestinian Authority from any involvement in Gaza’s governance. The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, regards itself as the rightful government of a future Palestinian state. Smotrich’s demands could significantly complicate efforts to reach an agreement acceptable to Israel, the United States, and their Arab partners, let alone Hamas. Critics of Netanyahu often claim he prioritizes appeasing his right-wing allies over pursuing a pragmatic cease-fire deal to secure the release of remaining hostages in Gaza, an accusation Netanyahu denies.
New Peace Plans for Gaza Emerging
As President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel prepare for their White House meeting, several fresh proposals are on the table to halt the Gaza fighting and establish post-conflict governance. The recent U.N. General Assembly sessions were largely dominated by discussions on the conflict and the future of the beleaguered territory. At the close of last week’s sessions, President Trump expressed optimism about reaching a peace deal. However, similar optimistic statements have been made before, and significant obstacles persist. Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas remain fundamentally at odds, and the conflict has escalated recently with an Israeli ground offensive to capture Gaza City. On Friday, Mr. Netanyahu reiterated his resolve to continue the Gaza City campaign at the United Nations. Meanwhile, Hamas stated on Sunday that it had not received any new proposals from mediators, indicating that negotiations are currently stalled. These are some of the latest proposals aimed at ending the war, establishing a new postwar governance structure, and addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Trump Plan
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy for peace missions, presented the broad outlines of an American peace plan during a meeting with leaders from Arab and Muslim-majority countries at the U.N. last week. According to an Arab official and another anonymous source familiar with the matter, the plan proposes that Hamas would agree to release all living hostages and the remains of deceased captives within 48 hours of the agreement. Furthermore, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence with Israel would be granted amnesty, and those wishing to leave Gaza would be guaranteed safe passage. The Times of Israel previously reported details of this proposal. The American plan also includes a mutual commitment to initiate a new dialogue on peaceful coexistence and a pledge that Israel will cease further attacks on Qatar, as confirmed by a senior White House official. Qatar, a vital U.S. ally, has played a central mediating role in Gaza cease-fire negotiations alongside Egypt. Israel’s September 9 airstrikes on Doha, Qatar’s capital, in a failed attempt to assassinate Hamas officials, angered U.S. officials. The success of Mr. Trump’s efforts to end the war will likely hinge on his willingness to pressure Mr. Netanyahu, who has steadfastly refused to halt his military campaign until Israel achieves its objectives. Netanyahu has also shown increased defiance following the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by multiple Western countries. In a Sunday interview with Fox News, Mr. Netanyahu confirmed that Israel and the United States are still refining the plan and chose not to disclose details to avoid prejudicing the ongoing discussions. ‘We’re working on it; it’s not been finalized yet,’ he stated. ‘I hope we can make it a go.’
The Blair Plan
One proposal suggests establishing a ‘Gaza International Transitional Authority’ to govern Gaza. Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, is reportedly being considered for a leadership role in overseeing Gaza after the conflict, according to three informed sources. This Transitional Authority would be supported by a multinational security force tasked with securing border crossings, preventing the re-emergence of armed groups, disrupting weapons smuggling, and neutralizing asymmetric threats, as outlined in a version of the proposal reviewed by The Times. The Blair proposal also addresses Palestinian concerns about permanent displacement from Gaza. It stipulates that the Transitional Authority would be authorized to issue ‘protected departure certificates,’ ensuring that individuals leaving Gaza retain the right to return to their homes in the future. The version of the proposal reviewed by The Times did not explicitly mention Hamas, the group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that ignited the war. However, it did suggest that the Palestinian Authority, a more moderate rival government to Hamas that governs parts of the West Bank and cooperates with Israel on security, would have a limited governance role in Gaza. Israeli officials have historically criticized the Palestinian Authority for corruption, mismanagement, and fostering anti-Israel sentiment. This proposal, therefore, advocates for significant reforms to the Authority, including its security operations. It further states that decisions made by the proposed Transitional Authority and the Palestinian Authority should be ‘consistent with the eventual unifying of all the Palestinian territory under the’ Palestinian Authority.
The French-Saudi Plan
A third proposal, endorsed by 142 countries at the General Assembly, is known as the New York declaration, a joint initiative by France and Saudi Arabia. This plan calls for Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and for a U.N.-organized international security force to step in. Hamas would be prohibited from governing Gaza and would be required to surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. The proposal outlines that postwar Gaza would be governed by a transitional committee of technocrats operating under the Palestinian Authority’s oversight, with elections to be held within a year of a cease-fire. Maggie Haberman contributed reporting.