President Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may seek to project a triumphant image in the wake of their joint activities against Iran, activities that both proclaim to have been extraordinarily successful. As they convene at the White House for the third time in the current year, their celebration will be shadowed by Israel’s ongoing 21-month struggle with Hamas in Gaza and the mounting queries regarding Trump’s perseverance towards a resolution. Post the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, Trump is hopeful for an expedient resolution to the Gaza issue, ideally achieving a ceasefire agreement in the following week.
Their interaction could potentially impart a renewed sense of urgency to a US-brokered ceasefire proposal under consideration between Israel and Hamas. However, whether it manages to facilitate an agreement that brings an end to the war remains uncertain. Prior to his departure to Washington, Netanyahu expressed appreciation for the partnership with the US in securing a ‘tremendous victory against a common foe’. He also conveyed his positive outlook on a ceasefire for Gaza, stating his commitment ‘to finalize the agreed upon deal, under the acceptable terms.’
‘Our discussions can unquestionably help push towards this much-anticipated outcome,’ claimed Netanyahu. The ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas seemingly point towards an agreement in the near future. Nonetheless, a recurring debate is whether the ceasefire will provide a complete end to the war. Hamas has signaled its readiness to release all captives in return for a cessation of military activities and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, insists that the confrontation can only conclude with a decisive military triumph over Hamas, or its capitulation, demilitarization, and exile. However, the final specifics of the suggested ceasefire remain fluid. Following their decision to take an active part in Israel’s conflict against Iran by launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear installations, Trump and Netanyahu are more aligned than ever.
He committed last week to being ‘unyieldingly stern’ with Netanyahu about concluding the war. In the past, diplomatic pressure may have made an impact on Netanyahu’s decision-making, notably when a previous ceasefire agreement was attained just as Trump commenced his second term. Netanyahu now grapples with retaining equilibrium between the expectations of the United States, his key international ally, and the interests of the coalition parties at home, on whom his political future relies and who are against terminating the war.
However, considering the widespread US backing for Israel’s military action against Iran, especially as highlighted by the joint airstrikes on three pivotal Iranian nuclear installations, Netanyahu might find it challenging to decline. He opined that among the key matters he anticipated discussing with Netanyahu was ‘possibly reaching a lasting deal with Iran.’ Beyond Iran, he laid out a broad plan for reimagining the Middle East landscape, with aspirations that more nations will join the Abraham Accords. These accords consist of a series of treaties normalizing diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab countries, brokered during his first term.
The leaders are expected to explore ways to incorporate Syria into this widening circle. Syria, traditionally an adversary of Israel, has undergone a leadership change following the downfall of President Bashar Assad. Analysts believe that the political changes could create a conducive environment for some form of non-aggression pact. His bigger objective, however, remains to incorporate the regional superpower – Saudi Arabia.
The Saudis, with their considerable influence that could pave the way for more Arab or Muslim countries to participate, have displayed interest in forging normalized relations with Israel. Their main condition, however, is that it must be accompanied by meaningful progress towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Essentially, achieving this would seem to obligate action in Gaza.
‘The foremost priority is concluding the war in Gaza,’ he stated. He goes on to declare that ‘Achieving peace in Gaza is at the heart of establishing broader peace in the Middle East.’
The post Trump and Netanyahu Plan for Lasting Peace in Gaza appeared first on Real News Now.
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