Donald Trump welcomed Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Monday, aiming to secure the Israeli prime minister’s agreement on a Gaza peace plan after ramping up pressure in recent days.
The U.S. president described himself as “very confident” during the meeting.
“We have a real chance to achieve something great in the Middle East. Everyone is ready for something special, a first,” Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social on Sunday.
According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, Trump expects “both sides” to accept Washington’s new 21-point plan.
Netanyahu apologized to the Emir of Qatar for the bombing of Doha during a phone call attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Axios.
The call, which also involved the Qatari prime minister, followed demands from Qatar for an official apology over what it described as an infringement on its sovereignty, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported.
“Some concessions required”
Leavitt noted in a Fox News interview that “both sides will need to make some concessions.” This is the fourth meeting between the two leaders since Trump took office and will be followed by a press conference at 17:15 GMT.
Families of hostages urged the U.S. president in a letter to “remain firm against any attempt to sabotage the deal you have proposed.”
In Gaza, devastated after nearly two years of a deadly Israeli offensive, opinions are divided.
“I expect nothing from Trump because he supports Netanyahu in destroying Gaza and displacing its people,” said 34-year-old Palestinian Mohammed Abu Rabee from the Al-Chati refugee camp.
Conversely, 40-year-old displaced resident Sabah Al-Jadaili, sheltering in a Gaza City school, believes Trump “wants to end the war.” “This plan is excellent. What matters is that the war ends. We just want to live,” she said.
“Not impossible”
In nine months, Trump has consistently supported Israel, though his ideas for ending the conflict sparked by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack have shifted.
Netanyahu continues a hardline stance, vowing to “finish the job” against Hamas, but faces international isolation and domestic protests demanding a ceasefire.
The U.S. 21-point proposal, according to Axios and the Times of Israel, calls for an immediate halt to the war in Gaza, phased Israeli troop withdrawals, and the release of hostages within 48 hours of a ceasefire. Following the hostages’ release, Israel would free over a thousand Palestinian prisoners, including several serving life sentences.
British media report that former Prime Minister Tony Blair could play a key role in a future Gaza transitional authority.
“Netanyahu clearly prefers to continue the war, but it is not impossible for Trump to persuade him otherwise,” says Natan Sachs, a Middle East Institute expert in Washington.
“Full freedom of action”
West Bank issues, occupied by Israel since 1967, are also central.
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank,” Trump stated on Thursday. This veto could complicate Netanyahu’s position, as far-right coalition allies press him to annex the territory in response to countries recognizing the State of Palestine.
In Gaza, Netanyahu faces pressure from right-wing ministers, including Bezalel Smotrich, who demanded that the Israeli army maintain “full freedom of action” in the territory if a ceasefire occurs.
The October 7, 2023, attack killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to AFP based on official data. Of the 251 people abducted during the attack, 47 remain in Gaza, with 25 considered dead by the Israeli military.
The Israeli retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed 66,055 people, mostly civilians, according to the Health Ministry, figures the UN deems reliable.
AFP
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