Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday as momentum builds around a potential Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release agreement. The meeting comes amid indirect talks between Israeli officials and Hamas in Qatar, with mediation from Egypt and Qatar and backing from Washington.
President Trump said over the weekend that there is a "good chance" a deal could be struck this week. Netanyahu echoed that optimism, stating that his visit to Washington would help advance the negotiations currently taking place in Doha.
This is Netanyahu’s third official visit to the White House since Trump returned to office in January. The talks are expected to go beyond Gaza, with Israeli officials hinting at broader diplomatic goals, including the possibility of normalizing ties with Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Israel's public broadcaster, Minister Avi Dichter suggested that the discussions would reflect “a new Middle East” strategy one that could reshape regional diplomacy following the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran.
Netanyahu also confirmed that he would thank President Trump for the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which effectively brought that conflict to a halt.
Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas began a second day of indirect talks in Qatar on Monday. Israeli officials described the discussions as "positive," though initial meetings ended without a firm agreement. The U.S.-brokered proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, a phased release of hostages, partial Israeli troop withdrawals, and future negotiations on a permanent end to the war.
Hamas insists on a full ceasefire before releasing the remaining hostages, while Israel demands the release of all captives and the dismantling of Hamas’ military infrastructure. Around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. The war, which began after Hamas' October 2023 attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, has since resulted in over 57,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Israeli public sentiment has shifted significantly amid the prolonged war and rising humanitarian toll in Gaza. Despite opposition from some of Netanyahu’s hardline coalition partners, analysts expect the Israeli government to support a temporary truce, especially under U.S. pressure.
For Palestinians in Gaza, the hope is not just for a break in fighting, but for meaningful peace. "We cannot see a truce while people are dying," said Mohammed Al Sawalheh, a displaced Palestinian in Jabalia. “We want a truce that would stop this bloodshed.”
President Trump has been outspoken in his support for Netanyahu and recently criticized Israeli prosecutors for pursuing corruption charges against the Prime Minister, claiming the trial was a political distraction from peace efforts. Netanyahu faces bribery, fraud, and breach-of-trust charges, which he denies.
Trump also intends to discuss Iran’s nuclear program with Netanyahu, claiming recent U.S. airstrikes dealt a serious blow to Tehran’s capabilities. “We’ve permanently set them back,” Trump said Friday, though Iran maintains it has never pursued nuclear weapons.
As diplomatic efforts unfold in both Washington and Doha, the coming days are crucial. The White House meeting and Qatar negotiations may define the next chapter of the Israel-Gaza conflict and potentially reset Middle East relations.
With millions displaced and humanitarian agencies warning of looming famine in Gaza, the world watches and waits hoping that this moment of dialogue becomes a turning point toward peace.