What Did Netanyahu and Trump Discuss at the White House?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, as negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire continued and indirect talks between Israel and Hamas showed signs of momentum. Over dinner, the two leaders and their top officials explored a range of pressing regional issues, including the potential relocation of Palestinians from Gaza and the future of humanitarian access.
Netanyahu noted that Israel and the U.S. are engaging with several countries to create new opportunities for Palestinians. “If people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave,” he said. “We’re working with the United States very closely about finding countries that will seek to realize what they always say, that they wanted to give the Palestinians a better future.”
Trump confirmed regional support for this vision. “We’ve had great cooperation from … surrounding countries, great cooperation from every single one of them. So something good will happen,” he said.
Are Iran and the U.S. Headed for New Talks?
Amid the broader Middle East tensions, Trump announced that the U.S. had scheduled talks with Iran. “We have scheduled Iran talks, and they … want to talk. They took a big drubbing,” he said, referencing recent military actions. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to lead the upcoming meeting, while Trump expressed interest in lifting sanctions at the right time. “I would love to be able to, at the right time, take those sanctions off,” he added.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appeared open to dialogue, saying on Monday that he believed a resolution with the U.S. was possible through direct talks. Trump’s administration is using recent developments, including Iran’s losses, to push for progress on the Gaza front.
What’s the Status of Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations?
As Trump and Netanyahu held their private dinner in the White House’s Blue Room, Israeli and Hamas negotiators continued talks in Doha, with U.S. mediation at the center. The proposed 60-day ceasefire includes phased hostage releases, Israeli troop withdrawals, and broader peace discussions.
However, hurdles remain. Palestinian sources told Reuters that Israel’s refusal to guarantee the safe flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza is a major obstacle. Israel insists it is working to allow food delivery while trying to prevent Hamas from intercepting aid.
Witkoff is expected in Doha this week to join the mediation efforts. Hamas continues to demand a full end to the war before releasing remaining hostages, while Israel maintains that fighting won’t stop until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled.
Back in Washington, Netanyahu also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Witkoff, and plans to meet congressional leaders Tuesday. During his meeting with Trump, he handed the president a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump accepted the nomination with visible satisfaction.
How Are Protesters and Gazans Reacting?
Outside the White House, demonstrators rallied in protest against Netanyahu’s visit, chanting and waving signs that read “Stop Arming Israel” and “Say No to Genocide.” They also demanded Netanyahu’s arrest, referencing the International Criminal Court’s warrant for alleged war crimes.
Inside Gaza, the situation remains dire. “I ask God almighty that the negotiating delegation or the mediators pressure with all their strength to solve this issue, because it has become unbearable,” said Abu Suleiman Qadoum, a displaced resident of Gaza City.
Since the war began in October 2023, over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed, and nearly half a million people are facing possible famine. Meanwhile, about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive.
Despite internal opposition from some of Netanyahu’s coalition partners, Israeli public fatigue with the war has grown. If Netanyahu secures agreeable terms, a ceasefire appears more likely. Trump, for his part, said he remains “very firm” about the urgency of ending the conflict.
By Yockshard Enyendi