Prior to departure, Netanyahu acknowledged working with Trump’s team on the framework but noted “nothing is finalized.”
All eyes will be on the White House as President Trump prepares to host Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tonight for their fourth meeting since retaking office in January.
Israel’s longest-serving prime minister arrives with momentum from Friday’s defiant UN speech, where he vowed to “finish the job” against Hamas after ten Western nations including Britain, France, Canada and Australia recognized Palestinian statehood.
On the table for today’s high-stakes meeting is Trump’s 21-point proposal on Gaza which reportedly calls for an immediate ceasefire with all 48 remaining hostages – 20 believed alive, 28 bodies – released within 48 hours.
Hamas would be completely dismantled and disarmed, while Israel would free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
“We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST,” Trump posted Sunday night on Truth Social.
“ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”
However, Netanyahu faces resistance from coalition partners Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, who oppose ending operations before Hamas’s complete defeat.
“Mr. Prime Minister, you do not have a mandate to end the war without a complete defeat of Hamas,” Ben Gvir warned Saturday.
Prior to departure, Netanyahu acknowledged working with Trump’s team on the framework but noted “nothing is finalized.”
Israeli negotiators in Doha report Hamas shows initial interest but continues demanding permanent war cessation – terms Israel rejects.
The proposal notably excludes Palestinian expulsion from Gaza – a position Trump appeared to support earlier this year when suggesting the Strip could become a “riviera of the Middle East.”
Instead, an international security force would oversee post-war Gaza, though Israel would maintain overall security control.
Whether the Palestinian Authority will have a hand in post-war Gaza remains to be seen as Netanyahu has historically opposed any PA role.
Trump has also firmly stated he won’t permit Judea and Samaria annexation, with the UAE warning such moves would collapse the Abraham Accords.
Building on their June collaboration against Iran’s nuclear program, where Trump deployed strategic bombers to destroy Iranian nuclear facilities beyond Israeli capabilities, both leaders are expected to discuss future coordination against Tehran after UN snapback sanctions resumed yesterday.
Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff plans Qatar meetings this week to advance negotiations.
Meanwhile, as preparations for the Trump–Netanyahu meeting got underway, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum stepped in with a letter to the U.S. president, thanking him for his efforts and urging him to seal the deal.
“Your dual focus on ending the war and bringing all 48 hostages home stands in stark contrast to the expanded war that Israel is currently conducting. We want to thank you for boldly sticking to your conviction despite this contrast,” the letter reads.
“Please, Mr. President, don’t stop. We need you. 48 of our loved ones – our fathers, siblings, children – need you. We need our loved ones home.”
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