Netanyahu Meets with Trump to Discuss Gaza War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hurried to the White House for a meeting after addressing the UN General Assembly on Monday night. Following this meeting, he released a video where he summarized his visit to the US, during which President Donald Trump outlined plans to end the Gaza War and secure the release of all hostages. Netanyahu declared that “we turned the table and isolated Hamas,” pointing out that he had communicated to global leaders that when challenges arose, they withdrew.

In the video posted after his time in the Oval Office, Netanyahu referred to the visit as “excellent” and “historical,” highlighting how it started at the UN and wrapped up in Washington.

“Instead of being isolated by Hamas, we flipped the situation, leaving them isolated,” he stated. He claimed that pressures were mounting on Hamas from both the Arab and Muslim worlds to accept terms they had negotiated with Trump: regarding hostages, they wanted to free both the living and the deceased while maintaining the IDF’s presence in most of Gaza.

He questioned, “Who believed this?” in reference to Trump’s suggestion that Israel had previously been pressured to adhere to Hamas’ demands. In the past, it seemed like everyone was ready to withdraw the IDF and allow Hamas to take control. “No way,” he insisted, “that isn’t going to happen.”

Netanyahu emphasized that Trump had clarified the expectations for enforcement. Trump had added that should Hamas refuse the proposal, he would back Israel’s military operations to eliminate the group entirely. “From all perspectives, I think it was a great visit,” Netanyahu said.

When asked about agreeing to a Palestinian state, Netanyahu was quite clear. “Definitely not. It’s not even in the agreement,” he replied. He stressed that he was firmly against establishing a Palestinian state, noting that Trump understood this stance and recognized it as a dangerous reward for terrorism that could jeopardize Israeli security. “Of course, we don’t agree,” he asserted.

These statements followed Trump’s introduction of a 20-point framework designed to put an end to the war, secure the return of hostages, and prevent Hamas from regaining power.

Netanyahu used the video to conclude his UN speech, where he faced criticism from Western leaders, who accused him of weakening under pressure. They pointed out that he told the world Hamas was being forced upon them and advised Iranian leaders to “reclaim their freedom” and “make Iran great again.”

Meanwhile, Major John Spencer, an expert in urban studies, called Trump’s plan to resolve the situation and ensure Israel’s long-term security “the most comprehensive proposal.”