President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet on Tuesday. Netanyahu faces pressure from his right-wing coalition to end a temporary truce with Hamas, while war-weary Israelis demand the return of hostages and an end to the 15-month conflict.
Trump remains uncertain about the ceasefire’s future, despite taking credit for brokering the deal. “I have no guarantees that the peace is going to hold,” Trump told reporters Monday.
Key issues on the agenda
The leaders will discuss Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization and Iran’s nuclear program. However, finalizing the second phase of the hostage deal is the top priority.
First trip abroad amid ICC charges
This visit is Netanyahu’s first trip abroad since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him and other officials. The U.S. does not recognize the ICC’s authority.
Netanyahu arrives in Washington as his approval ratings decline. His corruption trial continues, with allegations of exchanging favors with media moguls. He calls the accusations a “witch hunt.” Being seen with Trump, who is popular in Israel, might boost his image.
Ceasefire deal faces internal opposition
Netanyahu and Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, began talks on extending the ceasefire. However, Netanyahu faces intense pressure from hard-right coalition members to resume fighting. Bezalel Smotrich, a key ally, has threatened to topple the government if the war does not continue.
Hamas refuses to release more hostages unless Israel fully withdraws. Netanyahu insists on defeating Hamas and securing the return of all captives taken in the October 7, 2023 attack.
Hostage families plead for U.S. intervention
Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among the hostages, urges Trump to keep Netanyahu committed to the agreement. The second phase is expected to secure the release of male hostages under 50 and Israeli soldiers in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Trump has proposed relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, though both countries have rejected the idea. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and the Arab League also oppose the plan. Hard-right Israeli politicians support it.
Saudi Arabia’s role in normalization talks
Shibley Telhami, a Middle East expert, argues that Trump’s push undermines Saudi-Israel normalization efforts. Saudi leaders demand a credible path to Palestinian statehood.
Netanyahu wants Trump to take decisive action against Iran. Israel has already weakened Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s air defenses. He sees this as the right moment to address Tehran’s nuclear threat.
A pivotal meeting for the Middle East
Eytan Gilboa, a U.S.-Israel relations expert, calls this meeting critical. The outcome could reshape the Middle East, not just U.S.-Israel ties.
