On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met to discuss the temporary truce with Hamas. The meeting comes as Netanyahu faces conflicting pressures: conservative coalition members urging him to end the ceasefire, and Israeli citizens exhausted by the war who want hostages released and the conflict to end after 15 months.
Trump has been cautious about the long-term viability of the truce, despite taking credit for pressuring Hamas and Israel into the hostage exchange and ceasefire deal that took effect the day before he returned to office last month.
“I have no guarantees that peace will hold,” Trump told reporters on Monday.
Key Topics in Trump-Netanyahu Talks

- Israel-Saudi Arabia Normalization Deal
- Iran’s Nuclear Program
- Second Phase of Hostage Deal
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Netanyahu Faces Political and Legal Challenges
Netanyahu’s visit to Washington is significant—it marks the first foreign leader visit during Trump’s second term. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is losing public support as he fights corruption charges, accused of exchanging favors with media tycoons and wealthy associates. He denies the accusations, calling them a “witch hunt.”
A high-profile meeting with Trump, who remains popular in Israel, could help shift public focus away from Netanyahu’s legal troubles.
Netanyahu’s First Trip Since ICC Arrest Warrants
This is Netanyahu’s first trip abroad since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November against him, his former defense minister, and the late Hamas military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity during the Gaza war. The U.S. does not recognize ICC jurisdiction over its citizens or territory.
Ceasefire Negotiations Continue
Netanyahu and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, have begun negotiating the next phase of the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu confirmed that a delegation will travel to Qatar to continue indirect talks with Hamas, mediated by the Gulf state.
Netanyahu is under pressure from far-right coalition members to resume fighting in Gaza. Bezalel Smotrich, a key Netanyahu ally, has threatened to bring down the government if the war does not restart, potentially triggering early elections.
Hamas Conditions for Hostage Release
Hamas has regained control over Gaza since the ceasefire began last month and has refused to release hostages unless Israel ends the war and fully withdraws troops from Gaza. Netanyahu insists Israel is committed to defeating Hamas and securing the return of all hostages captured in the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war.
Calls for Trump to Maintain Pressure on Netanyahu
Matan Zangauker, whose 24-year-old son is among the hostages, urged Trump to ensure Netanyahu remains committed to the deal.
“I want President Trump to know that there are extreme elements in Israel trying to derail his vision,” said Zangauker, who traveled to Washington for a Tuesday demonstration outside the White House.
Under the next phase of the deal, Hamas is expected to release all remaining living hostages, including men under 50 and male soldiers, in exchange for an undetermined number of Palestinian prisoners. This phase may also include a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
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Trump’s Controversial Proposal for Palestinian Relocation
Since returning to office, Trump has suggested relocating Gazans to Egypt and Jordan—a proposal rejected by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah I. Other Middle Eastern leaders, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, the Palestinian Authority, and the Arab League, have also condemned the plan.
However, Trump remains confident he can persuade Egypt and Jordan to accept Palestinian refugees, citing significant U.S. aid to both nations. Netanyahu’s far-right allies support relocating Palestinians out of Gaza.
Saudi Arabia’s Stance on a Palestinian State
Professor Shibley Telhami, an expert in Middle East relations, warns that Trump’s proposal undermines efforts to normalize ties with Saudi Arabia, the region’s leading Arab power.
“This initiative contradicts the idea of a Palestinian state,” said Telhami. “It’s hard to see the Saudis accepting it.”
Saudi Arabia has made it clear that any deal with Israel must include:
- An end to the Gaza war
- A credible path toward Palestinian statehood
Netanyahu Pressures Trump to Act on Iran
Netanyahu is expected to push Trump for a decisive stance on Iran. Israel believes that recent military setbacks for Tehran, including Hamas and Hezbollah losses, create a window of opportunity to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
What’s at Stake?
“This is one of the most important U.S.-Israel meetings in years,” said Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations. “It’s not just about bilateral ties—it’s about redefining the Middle East.”