The recent call from President Trump for a ceasefire in Gaza is putting his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the test. This week, Israeli leaders made their third visit to Washington this year, highlighting the importance of their ties.
Although Trump and Netanyahu often appear united publicly, there have been moments of tension, especially when Trump used strong language during the heated talks about the ceasefire with Iran.
As Trump pushes towards ending the conflict in Gaza, Netanyahu potentially risks angering the president, who is eager for a victory that could be perceived as peace.
“The president is feeling frustrated because he wants this victory,” noted Elliot Abrams, who served as Iran’s special representative during Trump’s first term. “He understands the main issue is Hamas, which complicates efforts for a ceasefire without addressing hostages, but he’s not directing blame at Netanyahu.”
According to Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, a deal seems to be on the horizon, with Witkoff emphasizing that there has been significant progress in their discussions. Yet, the situation remains murky, with possible settlements discussed this week and contingencies for the next.
Witkoff stated on Tuesday that they are now in “close consultations” and have reduced their disagreements to just a single point. However, a Palestinian source mentioned that discussions have stalled due to differing views on humanitarian assistance and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
It’s unclear whether Trump will honor Netanyahu’s red lines regarding Hamas’s military operations or if he’ll push Israeli leaders to consider moves that could upset his right-wing supporters and threaten his coalition.
Trump’s approach toward Netanyahu has been inconsistent, having previously relaxed sanctions on Syria and held discussions with Iran. This week, though, he seems unusually cautious about his Israeli counterparts in light of ongoing concerns over Gaza.
According to Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator, “Trump is the only US president to sideline Israel in such a short time, positioning it as the focal point of his policies,” and he remarked that “the friendship between Trump and Netanyahu may last, until it doesn’t.”
During their meetings on Monday and Tuesday, both leaders expressed hope for a resolution in the conflict with Hamas. The proposed agreement includes a 60-day truce, with Hamas releasing hostages while Israel eases conditions for humanitarian aid.
What remains unclear in public discussions are more complex matters, including if this truce could effectively conclude the war and how governance in Gaza might evolve. “The US will oversee Gaza,” Trump stated back in February alongside Netanyahu.
Netanyahu has aimed for Hamas’s total defeat since their attack on Israel back in October, resulting in significant casualties and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Earlier this year, Trump pushed for a ceasefire agreement that ultimately fell through, reigniting talks about how to effectively end the conflict.
Netanyahu expressed optimism regarding the US-endorsed ceasefire proposal, stating, “We accepted the proposal from the mediator, aligning with Steve Witkoff’s original plan. It seems we are close to a resolution.”
“Our goal is to reach an agreement. The less we share publicly, the better our chances,” he added.
John Hanna, a senior fellow at the National Security Institute, noted that Netanyahu had previously endorsed Trump’s strategies regarding the population of Gaza, suggesting that both nations may be coordinating with other countries for resettlement options as part of potential peace negotiations.
“This idea seems to be gaining traction as part of concluding the war,” Hanna observed.
He also highlighted that Trump praised Netanyahu when discussing the notion of a Palestinian state, a vision at odds with many Arab nations and some European allies’ expectations.
“It remains to be seen how this will influence Arab perspectives,” Hanna said, indicating a need for further clarity on the prime minister’s discussions this week.
The apparent unity between Trump and Netanyahu contrasts sharply with earlier tensions, reflecting a notable change from when Trump expressed frustration with both Israel and Iran.
Abrams mentioned that despite public disagreements, the foundation of the Trump-Netanyahu relationship appears strong. “Their ability to reconcile quickly after disputes makes this bond more reliable, unlike his interactions with leaders from Canada, Japan, or Britain. This relationship seems much more intimate.”
