Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed confidence that his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday could help advance ongoing negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. The talks were reignited by Israeli negotiators in Qatar on Sunday.
Speaking before boarding his flight to Washington, Netanyahu said that Israel’s negotiating team has been given clear directives to reach a ceasefire based on conditions already accepted by Israel. “I believe that the discussion with President Trump can certainly help move these outcomes forward,” Netanyahu stated, emphasizing his commitment to securing the return of hostages and eliminating Hamas’ threat to Israel.
This marks Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since Donald Trump returned to office nearly six months ago. His visit comes amid growing domestic pressure to end the war in Gaza through a lasting ceasefire agreement—a move that some hardline members of his right-wing coalition oppose. However, others, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, have voiced support for such an outcome.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian group Hamas said on Friday that it had responded “positively” to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, just days after President Trump stated that Israel had agreed “to the necessary terms to finalize” a 60-day truce.
If finalized, the ceasefire would represent one of the most significant diplomatic achievements of Trump’s renewed presidency, with major implications for the situation in Gaza, the U.S.-Israel relationship, and broader regional stability.
Netanyahu’s decision to involve President Trump in the ceasefire efforts reflects both growing internal demands for an end to the Gaza war and Trump’s expanding role in Middle East diplomacy. If successful, the agreement would deliver political wins for both leaders—boosting Netanyahu’s image at home and reinforcing Trump’s credentials as a key broker in international conflict resolution. For Hamas, a deal would test the seriousness of international mediation and shape their future political leverage in a post-war scenario.
Source: Reuters