Trump and Netanyahu Meet to Discuss Gaza Ceasefire and Iran Negotiations

On Monday, President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in an effort to advance negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as to strategize on matters concerning Iran following recent bombings of its nuclear facilities. Despite their discussions, uncertainty lingers over whether Israel and Hamas will agree to halt hostilities, along with clarity around Trump’s proposed framework for a future peace arrangement.

During their working dinner, Netanyahu met with a delegation that included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, who expressed hope that an agreement for peace might materialize soon. Netanyahu presented Trump with a nomination letter for a Nobel Peace Prize, which the President acknowledged was a significant gesture coming from the Prime Minister. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasized Trump’s objective to end the conflict decisively, though specifics regarding a definitive long-term solution remain undisclosed.

Witkoff is expected to head to Doha later this week to facilitate further ceasefire discussions between Israeli and Hamas representatives. The proposed plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, wherein Hamas would release hostages taken during the conflict, while both parties would aim towards establishing a lasting peace. However, contentious issues persist, such as the extent of Israeli troop withdrawals and the United Nations' role in aid delivery to Gaza.

The United Nations has reported rising casualties among Gazans attempting to obtain aid, complicating the humanitarian situation, while former U.S. official Aaron David Miller noted that incremental progress toward a ceasefire is on the horizon due to Netanyahu's stable political position. Meanwhile, challenges lie ahead for a long-term peace solution, particularly considering potential concessions Netanyahu may need to make to his coalition partners, which could jeopardize his government.

In discussions of the aftermath of the conflict, there has been speculation about U.S. involvement in Gaza, with Trump previously suggesting the U.S. might take full control of the region post-war. Yet, coherent plans for a lasting peace agreement remain elusive. Alongside the Hamas situation, the Palestinian Authority’s role in governance must also be addressed, as it has lacked autonomy in Gaza since 2007.

Trump has stated intentions for renewed talks with Iran concerning its nuclear program, but Netanyahu's past disregard for ceasefire negotiations under previous discussions with the U.S. raises questions over cooperation on this front. Despite promising to resolve conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine during his campaign, Trump's administration is grappling with achieving these goals amid ongoing negotiations and a complex geopolitical landscape.