When Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, the Israeli prime minister is expected to address the future of the Gaza ceasefire and ways to counter Iran. The meeting comes at a critical juncture in the region, with the Gaza truce fragile, the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon nearing possible expiration, and ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Netanyahu, the first foreign leader to meet with Trump since his inauguration, will have to navigate sometimes tense relations with the Biden White House as he seeks to strengthen ties with the staunchly pro-Israel president. The two leaders are expected to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
In his first term, Trump achieved several successes for Israel, including relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem and brokering the Abraham Accords. Trump remains a strong supporter of Israel and has expressed a desire to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right members of his coalition who are calling for a resumption of fighting in Gaza to fulfill his pledge to destroy Iran-backed Hamas.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, played a crucial role in securing the Gaza ceasefire deal and is expected to be involved in future negotiations. Both Trump and Netanyahu have expressed a desire to involve Saudi Arabia in regional arrangements to counter Iran, but Netanyahu’s opposition to a Palestinian state may pose a challenge.
The visit also offers Netanyahu an opportunity to boost his diplomatic credentials in Washington, especially in light of the recent arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court. Protests from pro-Palestinian activists and groups calling for the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas are expected to coincide with Netanyahu’s visit.
High on the agenda for the meeting will be Iran, with both Trump and Netanyahu vowing to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons. Concerns have grown in Iran that the new US administration may give Israel the green light to strike its nuclear sites.
Overall, the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump will be crucial in shaping the future of the Middle East, especially in light of recent developments in the region. Netanyahu will also seek assurances of continued US weapons supplies during his visit to Washington.
