‘Strength Through Unity’: Trump and Netanyahu Set for Crucial Discussions on Iran and Hamas

‘Strength Through Unity’: Trump and Netanyahu Set for Crucial Discussions on Iran and Hamas

TEL AVIV – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. The meeting aims to reinforce ties between the two nations, focusing particularly on threats from Iran and the ongoing conflict with Hamas, according to officials from Israel.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, emphasized the significance of this meeting, stating, “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s historic visit to Washington will mark a significant moment in Israel-U.S. relations. This meeting sets a crucial tone for cooperation between the Israeli government and the Trump administration going forward.”

Netanyahu will be recognized as the first foreign leader to visit the White House during Trump’s second term. Leiter noted that this visit symbolizes a commitment to enhancing security and prosperity not only for the U.S. and Israel but also for the broader Middle Eastern region.

Key Focus: Iran’s Nuclear Threats

Discussion centered on Iran’s nuclear ambitions will be a fundamental aspect of the agenda. In a recent interview, Leiter remarked, “To allow Tehran to maintain its nuclear capabilities, which can be swiftly advanced toward weaponization, is absolutely unacceptable.” His comments reflect rising concerns about Iran’s potential threat.

Netanyahu’s previous visit to the White House took place on July 25, 2024, when he met with then-President Biden. This earlier meeting, occurring 20 months after his re-election, was perceived by many as an indication of the Biden administration’s distancing from traditional bipartisan support for Israel.

Prior to his departure for Washington, Netanyahu articulated that Trump’s choice to meet with him first was “telling.” He termed this decision as “a testimony to the strength of the American-Israeli alliance.”

The prime minister elaborated, stating, “This meeting will address critical issues, including our approach to defeating Hamas, securing the release of hostages, and countering the Iranian terror network that threatens global peace.” Currently, 79 hostages, including six dual U.S.-Israeli citizens, are in Hamas’s custody in Gaza.

The Path Forward with Hamas

Trump will likely urge Netanyahu to advance to the second phase of the truce agreement with Hamas, a demand seen as contentious given that it may effectively prolong Hamas’s control in Gaza. Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren, expressed concerns regarding this negotiation, referencing the potential challenges it introduces for Israel.

Despite Trump expressing skepticism about the endurance of the ceasefire deal, his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Israel last week. Reports indicated he advocated for the execution of all phases of the agreement. Netanyahu claimed Trump is committed to renewing military actions should negotiations with Hamas fail to yield results.

Discussions on Palestinian Statehood

Another topic may include the future prospects surrounding the Palestinian issue. Oren highlighted the potential for revisiting the Trump peace plan introduced during the former president’s first term and its implications for Israel’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. However, this could lead to friction, as some factions within Netanyahu’s coalition are reluctant to negotiate on Palestinian statehood.

Furthermore, both leaders may explore how to rebuild Gaza post-conflict while discussing the controversial idea of relocating Gazans to other Arab nations. Trump previously suggested a radical overhaul for Gaza, hinting at a large-scale population movement.

Iran and Military Provisions

During his first term, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, leading to widespread sanctions. However, the current administration has reverted many of these policies, raising concerns among Israeli officials. Danny Ayalon, a former Israeli deputy foreign minister, foresees Trump potentially reinstating stringent sanctions and military posturing to compel Iran back to the negotiating table.

Ayalon cautioned that if diplomatic routes fail, military action might be considered, possibly with U.S. support for Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.

A Broader Strategy for the Middle East

Moreover, Netanyahu’s anticipated discussions with Trump may encompass avenues for enhancing cooperation, improving defense capabilities, and facilitating an economic corridor from Asia to Europe via Saudi Arabia and Israel, which would align with Trump’s broader geopolitical strategy against Chinese expansion.

However, Netanyahu’s commitment to Israel’s national security will remain paramount. Likud lawmaker Boaz Bismuth noted, “Our national interests will always come first. The state has a duty to protect its citizens. Fortunately, Trump’s relationship with Israel is robust and beneficial.”

As the meeting approaches, all eyes will be on this pivotal gathering, which could redefine alliances and strategies in a volatile region.