Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Trump on Monday, marking a moment of triumph following the recent joint Israeli-U.S. operations against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
This Washington visit, Netanyahu’s third since Trump assumed office, is expected to bolster his standing among supporters back home as he approaches an election year, experts suggest.
However, previous visits have brought unexpected developments.
During Netanyahu’s last Oval Office meeting in April, he appeared uneasy as President Trump announced direct negotiations with Iran in an effort to curb its nuclear ambitions. At that time, Netanyahu’s push for a military strike on Iran was dismissed.
Now, Trump is focused on securing a cease-fire in Gaza, aiming for Hamas to release hostages and bring an end to the ongoing conflict triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. On Sunday, Israel dispatched negotiators to Qatar, which is mediating efforts to reconcile differences with Hamas.
Additionally, the U.S. is facilitating dialogue between Israel and Syria to restore stability along their shared border.
The situation with Iran remains unresolved, with varied opinions on how significantly Israel’s 12-day campaign and U.S. involvement have impaired Iran’s nuclear program, as well as the potential for renewed nuclear talks.
Political analyst and former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas described the visit as “a victory lap with a caveat.”
Pinkas noted that Netanyahu is aware that Iran still retains some nuclear capabilities and will seek clarity from Trump regarding U.S. responses if Iran resumes nuclear activities and whether America would support further Israeli actions against Iran.
Netanyahu has indicated he expects to meet not only with Trump but also Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other officials.
He described these meetings as a continuation of the success achieved through Israel’s recent strikes on Iran, emphasizing that leveraging this success is crucial.
The trip also conveniently delays Netanyahu’s cross-examination in his ongoing corruption trial, with Israeli courts scheduled for summer recess from late July to early September. President Trump has openly advocated for the trial’s cancellation.
Having secured strong U.S. backing for the Iran conflict, Netanyahu now depends heavily on his main ally. However, details regarding the proposed Gaza cease-fire and its enforcement remain largely undisclosed, according to Shira Efron, research director at the Israel Policy Forum.
Efron expressed cautious optimism about the cease-fire efforts, acknowledging previous failed attempts but noting Trump’s recent public calls for an agreement.
Trump emphasized his desire to end the Gaza conflict, urging on social media for a deal to secure the hostages’ release.
Within Netanyahu’s coalition, hardliners resist ending the war, favoring continued Israeli control over Gaza.
Efron suggested Netanyahu might gain support for an initial, limited cease-fire, which could effectively function as a comprehensive truce under the guise of a partial agreement.
Public opposition within Israel toward the Gaza war has grown, with many questioning the military’s ongoing presence after over 20 Israeli soldiers have died in the past month. Gaza health authorities report more than 55,000 Palestinian deaths, including civilians and combatants. The October 2023 Hamas attack resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and 251 hostages taken; Israeli officials state that 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive.
The proposed truce would impose a 60-day halt to hostilities during which both sides would negotiate a permanent cease-fire. Hamas demands a full and lasting end to the conflict but has so far rejected Netanyahu’s conditions for concluding the war.
Some Israeli officials, including members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, still support a bold vision for Gaza once promoted by Trump during an earlier visit. At that time, Trump suggested the U.S. should take control of Gaza, forcibly relocate its two million residents, and transform the area into a prosperous coastal region. Experts have criticized this proposal as a serious breach of international law.
However, no countries have agreed to resettle Gazans, and by Netanyahu’s subsequent visit in April, Trump appeared to have distanced himself from this plan.
0 Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!