By LENA SMITH and MEGAN R. JONES, Staff Writers
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to highlight their recent joint strikes on Iran during their meeting on Monday, which they both view as a major success.
However, the visit will also be overshadowed by Israel’s ongoing 21-month conflict with Hamas in Gaza, raising questions about Trump’s stance on ending the war.
Trump has expressed a desire for a swift resolution to the Gaza conflict following the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu could provide momentum to a U.S. ceasefire proposal under discussion by Israel and Hamas, but the outcome remains uncertain.
“While the optics may appear positive, there are significant underlying questions that need to be addressed,” said Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington.
Before departing for Washington, Netanyahu commended the U.S. for their successful collaboration in defeating a common enemy. He expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement for Gaza, indicating that discussions were progressing according to agreed terms.
“I believe that the talks with President Trump can help move us closer to the desired outcome that we all seek,” Netanyahu stated.
‘It changes from day to day’
Israel and Hamas seem to be moving towards a potential 60-day ceasefire agreement that would halt hostilities, provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, and release some of the remaining hostages. However, a major point of contention is whether the ceasefire will lead to a permanent end to the conflict. Hamas is willing to release all hostages in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a condition that Netanyahu rejects.
Trump has emphasized his role as a peacemaker and has urged Israel and Hamas to resolve their differences. He has applied pressure on both parties to reach a resolution, with the goal of ending a conflict that has caused significant casualties and exacerbated tensions in the region.
While the details of a potential agreement are still uncertain, Trump has expressed optimism about the prospects of a deal. He suggested that progress on securing the release of remaining hostages could be achieved in the coming week.
Trump and Netanyahu’s evolving relationship
The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has evolved, particularly following Trump’s decision to participate in Israel’s conflict with Iran by targeting Iranian nuclear sites. The two leaders now appear to be more aligned in their objectives, in contrast to previous disagreements.
During Netanyahu’s previous visit to Washington, the tone was notably different, with Trump announcing negotiations with Iran over its nuclear deal without prior consultation with Netanyahu. The dynamics between the two leaders have shifted, with Trump exerting pressure on Netanyahu to end the conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu faces the challenge of balancing the demands of his American ally with the expectations of far-right parties in his coalition government who oppose a ceasefire. The strong support from the U.S. in Israel’s conflict with Iran may complicate Netanyahu’s decision-making process.
Trump has hinted at discussing a permanent deal with Iran during the meeting with Netanyahu, suggesting that he expects concessions in return for his support on various issues, including Netanyahu’s corruption trial.
Trump’s regional agenda
In addition to addressing the ceasefire with Iran, Trump and Netanyahu are likely to explore opportunities for expanding the Abraham Accords to include other countries in the region. The potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the normalization process is a key objective for Trump.
Bringing Syria into the fold and fostering nonbelligerency agreements in the region are also on the agenda. Trump’s overarching goal is to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East by resolving longstanding conflicts and promoting diplomatic relations.
Ending the war in Gaza is seen as crucial to advancing broader peace efforts in the region, with Trump emphasizing the need for a comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Smith reported from Tel Aviv, Jones reported from Washington.
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