The central question hanging over Monday’s White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is whether the U.S. can successfully pressure Israel into accepting a Gaza peace deal. The summit is aimed at ending the nearly two-year conflict, but Netanyahu has shown little enthusiasm for halting his military’s campaign.
President Trump arrives at the meeting armed with what he describes as a finalized, 21-point plan supported by key Arab nations. The deal’s objectives are clear: free all hostages, disarm Hamas, and implement a ceasefire. Trump has been vocal about his optimism, hinting at an unprecedented agreement that could bring stability to the war-torn region.
This diplomatic optimism is running up against Netanyahu’s military resolve. The Israeli leader has been adamant about achieving a total victory over Hamas, a stance he reiterated at the UN. His reluctance to pause the Gaza City offensive, which has displaced thousands, signals a potential showdown with Trump, who has recently grown more critical of his ally’s actions.
The international and domestic pressure on both leaders is palpable. Families of Israeli hostages have made a direct appeal to Trump, asking him to stand firm and ensure the peace plan he has championed is not sabotaged. Their plea adds a sense of urgency to the talks, highlighting the human lives at stake.
According to Natan Sachs, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, the outcome will depend on how far Trump is willing to go. While Netanyahu’s preference is to continue the war, Sachs believes he is not immune to persuasion from his most powerful ally. A major hurdle remains the post-war governance plan for Gaza, which envisions a role for the Palestinian Authority, an idea Netanyahu vehemently opposes.