High-Stakes Meeting: Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Gaza’s Future
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel arrived on Monday at the White House for crucial discussions with President Trump regarding the United States-backed proposals for Gaza’s post-conflict future. Leaders hope this meeting could pave the way to finally resolving the two-year-long conflict. This marks the fourth meeting between the two leaders since Mr. Trump’s return to office in January. While previous encounters briefly sparked hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza, the intense fighting has tragically continued, resulting in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties.
This latest summit unfolds amidst intensified international efforts to craft concrete plans for governing Gaza once hostilities cease. The Trump administration is reportedly considering a proposal put forth by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, while France and several Arab nations have also presented their own frameworks. The meeting also follows a week where Israel’s international standing appears to have diminished, as countries like Britain and France, among other European nations, announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, despite Israeli objections.
President Trump, historically a staunch supporter of Israel, has recently expressed his impatience with the ongoing war. He has explicitly 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, it remains uncertain what precise leverage Mr. Trump is prepared to exert if Mr. Netanyahu, who has previously resisted compromise to continue the war against Hamas, declines the latest peace proposals aimed at establishing a new government for Gaza. Notably, Mr. Netanyahu’s far-right coalition allies advocate for indefinite Israeli control over Gaza and the re-establishment of Jewish settlements there.
Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Mr. Netanyahu conveyed cautious optimism about Mr. Trump’s proposal, stating, ‘We’re working on it; it’s not been finalized yet. I hope we can make it a go.’ He also hinted at a willingness to grant amnesty to Hamas members if they agree to end the war and release the remaining hostages captured during the surprise Hamas 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 retaliatory offensive has since claimed over 65,000 lives, including thousands of children, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants.
Key Developments:
- Cautious Optimism: Vice President JD Vance noted Sunday that ‘complicated negotiations’ are underway between Arab leaders, Israel, and the Trump administration concerning Gaza’s post-war future. Despite expressing careful hope for a breakthrough, Mr. Vance cautioned that any deal could ‘get derailed at the very last minute.’
- Ceasefire Standoff: Hamas announced Sunday it had not formally received the most recent ceasefire proposal. Negotiations have been stalled since Israel’s September 9 bombing of Qatar, an attempt to assassinate Hamas leadership that drew widespread international condemnation.
- Ongoing Conflict: Even as leaders convene to discuss Gaza’s future, Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza City, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Many have endured multiple displacements over the past two years, facing persistent fear, hunger, and bombardment.
- International Isolation: The prolonged conflict has significantly eroded Israel’s global standing. Mr. Netanyahu faces allegations of war crimes by the International Criminal Court, several traditional European allies have recognized a Palestinian state, and Israelis traveling abroad increasingly encounter protests.
- Hostage Plight: Despite the immense human cost in Gaza, the war has not yet compelled Hamas to surrender or release all remaining hostages. Israeli authorities report at least 20 living captives are still held, alongside the remains of approximately 25 others. Families of these hostages are intensely advocating for their immediate release, urging President Trump to compel Mr. Netanyahu to accept a deal to prevent further harm to their loved ones amidst the ongoing Gaza City assault. ‘President Trump, you have the power to end the war and bring all the hostages home,’ implored Ilana Gritzewsky, a freed hostage whose partner remains captive.
Upon Prime Minister Netanyahu’s arrival at the White House, President Trump personally welcomed him, complimenting his appearance before confidently telling reporters that he foresaw ‘peace in Gaza.’
Challenges to Post-War Governance and Peace Plans
The question of who will govern Gaza after the conflict is central to new peace proposals circulating as Prime Minister Netanyahu meets President Trump. The Palestinian Authority (PA), which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, sees itself as the legitimate government for a future Palestinian state. Established in 1994 by the Oslo Accords, the PA was envisioned as a temporary body preceding an independent Palestinian state. While it cooperates with Israel on security, their relationship has been fraught. PA President Mahmoud Abbas recently accused Israel of ‘war crimes’ in Gaza during a video address to the U.N. General Assembly, an address he had to deliver virtually after the Trump administration denied entry visas to his delegation on national security grounds.
At 89, Mr. Abbas has led the PA since 2005, a tenure extended beyond his initial four-year term due to a lack of national elections since 2006. Critics often label his administration as corrupt and authoritarian, with recent polls indicating a widespread desire among Palestinians for his resignation. Israeli officials, including Mr. Netanyahu who publicly stated the PA is ‘corrupt to the core’ at the U.N. last week, echo these criticisms, alleging mismanagement and hostility towards Israel. Supporters, however, argue that its corruption is no worse than other regional governments and that Israeli occupation hinders its effectiveness.
Recently, Israel’s isolation deepened as several European countries, including key allies like France, Britain, and Canada, recognized Palestinian statehood. This largely symbolic act, supporting Palestinian self-determination, was met with strong opposition from Israel and its U.S. allies, who view it as rewarding Hamas, the group that controls Gaza and initiated the 2023 attack that triggered the war. In response to these international endorsements, Israeli officials have even hinted at annexing parts of the occupied West Bank, a move President Trump has publicly opposed.
Emerging Peace Proposals:
Despite ongoing obstacles and a recent escalation of Israel’s military campaign into Gaza City, various plans are being discussed to end the war and establish post-conflict governance:
- The Trump Plan: U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff outlined an American peace plan at the U.N. The proposal reportedly includes Hamas returning all hostages within 48 hours and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. Hamas members willing to embrace peace would receive amnesty, with safe passage guaranteed for those wishing to leave Gaza. The plan also seeks a pledge from Israel to cease attacks on Qatar, a key mediator in negotiations. Mr. Netanyahu confirmed the plan is still being finalized and expressed hope for its success.
- The Blair Plan: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has proposed a Gaza International Transitional Authority, possibly under his oversight. This authority would be supported by a multinational security force to prevent renewed militancy and ensure border security. It also includes ‘protected departure certificates’ to guarantee Palestinian refugees the right to return. While it doesn’t explicitly mention Hamas, it suggests a limited, reformed role for the Palestinian Authority, known for its moderation and cooperation with Israel on security.
- The French-Saudi Plan (New York Declaration): This proposal, supported by 142 countries, advocates for an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the deployment of a U.N.-organized international security force. Hamas would be prohibited from governance and would disarm, transferring weapons to the Palestinian Authority. Post-war Gaza would be managed by a transitional committee of technocrats under the PA’s umbrella, with elections to follow within a year of a ceasefire.
Hamas, however, has stated it has not received any new proposals and that ceasefire negotiations remain at a standstill. The long-standing rivalry between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, which violently ousted Fatah (Abbas’s party) from Gaza in 2007 after winning 2006 elections, continues to complicate any path forward. While Mr. Abbas condemns the 2023 Hamas attack and advocates for a modern, peaceful Palestinian state without an armed Hamas, the group maintains its right to self-determination and vows not to disarm as long as ‘occupation continues.’ Ephrat Livni and Maggie Haberman contributed reporting.
Pressure on Netanyahu from Right-Wing Allies
As Prime Minister Netanyahu engages in these high-level discussions with President Trump, he is simultaneously navigating significant pressure from his right-wing coalition partners to adopt an uncompromising stance. Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, publicly articulated several ‘red lines’ for Netanyahu this Monday. These include a demand for a permanent Israeli military presence in Gaza and an absolute rejection of any involvement by the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s future governance. Such rigid demands from within his own government could severely complicate efforts to broker an agreement acceptable not only to Israel and the United States but also to their Arab partners, let alone Hamas. Critics of Mr. Netanyahu often suggest that his past decisions to prioritize the demands of his right-wing allies have hindered realistic ceasefire agreements aimed at freeing hostages in Gaza, an accusation he denies.