Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on July 7, 2025, for high-level talks centered on brokering a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as shaping the future of the Gaza Strip. The meeting marked their third official engagement since Trump returned to office.

The central focus of the discussions was a proposed 60-day truce involving phased Israeli withdrawals from Gaza, release of hostages, and a humanitarian aid corridor. The plan, currently under negotiation in Doha, has received cautious backing from the U.S. administration. However, key disagreements persist, particularly regarding the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops and the disarmament of Hamas forces.

Speaking alongside Trump, Netanyahu expressed a willingness to consider a future for Palestinians either within Gaza or in other countries willing to host them. He claimed several nations had shown interest in supporting relocation efforts, although no specific agreements were named. The comments come amid resurfacing of Trump’s earlier proposal from February 2025 that suggested the U.S. take control of post-war Gaza and permanently relocate its population to other Middle Eastern or African nations.

Trump’s February remarks triggered international backlash, with legal experts and human rights groups warning such actions could constitute forced displacement under international law. Several Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, strongly rejected any plans that would involve accepting relocated Palestinians.

During the latest meeting, Netanyahu also reiterated his rejection of a fully sovereign Palestinian state, stating it would serve as a “platform to destroy Israel.” While he maintained openness to limited self-governance for Palestinians, he emphasized that Israel must retain security sovereignty across any future arrangements. Trump echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, deferring the question of a two-state solution to Israel’s leadership.

In a symbolic move, Netanyahu nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his role in fostering regional diplomatic engagement and supporting Israeli security policies.

Despite efforts toward diplomacy, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Over 57,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the beginning of the conflict, and nearly 2.3 million residents continue to face displacement and restricted access to aid. Israeli restrictions on the entry of relief supplies have been cited as a major obstacle to ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

Meanwhile, Trump hinted at a renewed round of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. The announcement follows heightened tensions earlier this year, including U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian assets in Iraq and Syria.

While the talks in Washington signal a possible breakthrough in U.S.-brokered Middle East diplomacy, the path to peace remains uncertain. Disagreements over territorial control, the fate of Palestinian civilians, and the structure of any future Gaza administration continue to divide stakeholders both regionally and internationally.