Trump to discuss Gaza, Iran with Netanyahu at Monday meeting

 

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, with the aim of addressing the ongoing war in Gaza and tensions with Iran. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump expressed optimism that a ceasefire agreement could be reached soon between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza. Trump said he hopes a ceasefire-for-hostages deal will be achieved by next week, adding that the main goal is the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Hamas has signaled willingness to release the remaining hostages as part of a deal to end the war, though it has refused to disarm a condition Israel considers essential for any permanent ceasefire. The war began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led militants carried out a deadly attack inside Israel that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in the aftermath. The assault has devastated Gaza, displacing its entire population and triggering a hunger crisis. International bodies like the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice are now investigating accusations of war crimes and genocide against Israel allegations that Israel strongly denies. The upcoming meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is seen as a high-stakes diplomatic push for a possible breakthrough.

The upcoming White House meeting between Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will also focus on Iran, amid ongoing tensions and military actions. The two leaders previously worked together in June on a controversial operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. According to Trump, the mission involved U.S. B-2 bombers carrying out strikes that “obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear program. However, experts and officials remain divided over the actual extent of damage inflicted on Iran’s capabilities. The latest talks between Trump and Netanyahu are expected to further shape the U.S.-Israel strategic partnership on Middle East security issues, particularly concerning Iran’s influence in the region. A key player in these ongoing discussions has been Ron Dermer, a senior Israeli official and Netanyahu confidant, who has been in Washington this week for preliminary talks ahead of Monday’s meeting. A White House spokesperson confirmed that Dermer regularly visits the U.S. for high-level discussions, particularly as Trump works on what his team is calling a “path to peace” for both Israel and Gaza. While the Biden administration has taken a more cautious diplomatic approach, Trump’s return to active foreign policy discussions especially with Netanyahu signals a renewed push to assert U.S. influence over volatile regional affairs. Netanyahu’s visit also comes at a time when his government is facing significant international criticism over its handling of the Gaza war. Despite these pressures, Israel maintains that its operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas and restoring security for Israeli citizens. As Trump seeks to present himself as a decisive leader on global issues ahead of the 2024 U.S. election, this meeting may also serve domestic political purposes highlighting his alignment with Israel and projecting strength on foreign policy.

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