Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington amid growing international and domestic pressure to end the war in Gaza. The meeting comes days after Netanyahu’s defiant speech at the U.N., rejecting calls to halt hostilities.
Key Context
- Israel faces increasing isolation, losing support from many traditional allies.
- Domestically, Netanyahu’s coalition appears fragile, while the White House signals impatience.
- Trump has been a steadfast supporter of Netanyahu throughout the conflict, but analysts suggest he may now push for a ceasefire.
“We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!” – Donald Trump, social media post, Sept. 28, 2025.
Diplomatic Stakes
Experts call the meeting “critical” for the long-standing Trump-Netanyahu relationship. Netanyahu could face a difficult choice between U.S. pressure and coalition hardliners who want the war to continue.
Potential Israeli conditions for a ceasefire may include:
- Dismantling Hamas
- Retaining the right for Israeli military action if hostilities resume
- Securing political assurances to protect Israel’s interests
Trump’s 21-point proposal reportedly includes:
- Immediate ceasefire
- Release of all hostages within 48 hours (48 hostages are currently held by Hamas, 20 believed alive)
- Gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- Disarmament of Hamas and release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners
- Establishment of an international security force to maintain order post-war
- Civilian governance by a Palestinian technocratic committee, later transitioning to a reformed Palestinian Authority
Netanyahu has acknowledged the U.S. plan, stating that Israeli officials are “working with President Trump’s team … and I hope we can make it a go.”
International and Humanitarian Pressure
- Israel has lost much global goodwill; 28 Western-aligned countries have called for an end to the offensive.
- Gaza has seen over 66,000 Palestinians killed and 90% of its population displaced, with rising food insecurity.
- Ten countries, including Britain, France, Canada, and Australia, recognized Palestinian statehood last week.
- Some Arab states and international experts have accused Israel of genocide, allegations Israel strongly denies.
Experts warn that despite Trump’s plan, many unresolved issues make a near-term resolution uncertain.
“The more crowing that is done about how we’re in the final stages, the more skeptical I become.” – Aaron David Miller, Middle East advisor.
The meeting, expected to include an Oval Office discussion and joint press conference, could signal whether Israel will accept internationally mediated terms or continue its offensive, highlighting the delicate balance between U.S. diplomacy, Israeli domestic politics, and humanitarian realities in Gaza.
