‘Strength in Unity’: Trump and Netanyahu to Address Iran and Hamas at White House Meeting

‘Strength in Unity’: Trump and Netanyahu to Address Iran and Hamas at White House Meeting

TEL AVIV – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. This crucial meeting aims to enhance relations between Israel and the United States, focusing primarily on challenges posed by Iran and the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Strengthening U.S.-Israel Relations

The Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, emphasized the significance of Netanyahu’s visit. “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s historic visit to Washington will mark a significant moment in Israel-U.S. relations, setting a tone of close cooperation and friendship,” Leiter stated.

This meeting is particularly noteworthy as Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader welcomed by Trump in his second term. According to Leiter, the discussions will aim to enhance security and foster prosperity for Israel, the U.S., and the broader Middle East.

Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions in Focus

Leiter, during a recent appearance on “America’s Newsroom,” highlighted that Iran will be a central topic during the discussions. He stated, “We will make the point that allowing Tehran to maintain its nuclear capabilities is simply unacceptable.” The urgency is palpable as both leaders understand the threats that Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose to regional stability.

Previous Diplomatic Interactions

This meeting follows Netanyahu’s last visit to the White House on July 25, 2024, when he met with then-President Biden. Biden’s invitation to Netanyahu, occurring some 20 months after the Israeli leader’s re-election, was perceived as a snub, indicating a growing rift in traditional bipartisan support for Israel among some Democrats.

Netanyahu noted the importance of this visit, describing it as “a testimony to the strength of the American-Israeli alliance”. He remarked, “This meeting will deal with critical issues facing Israel and our region, including victory over Hamas and addressing the Iranian terror axis that threatens global peace.”

Tackling the Hamas Crisis

Current reports indicate that 79 hostages held by Hamas remain in Gaza, which includes six dual U.S.-Israeli citizens. Trump is likely to urge Netanyahu to progress to the next phase of the truce agreement with Hamas, a challenging prospect as it might enable the terror group to retain power in Gaza, according to former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren.

While Trump has expressed doubts about the viability of the ceasefire, his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently visited Israel. Witkoff reportedly advocated for implementing all phases of the agreement cautiously.

Future of Palestinian Statehood Talks

Another potential discussion point involves Palestinians and the revival of the Trump peace plan. Some in Netanyahu’s coalition may resist discussions around Palestinian statehood, a critical factor in potential normalization with Saudi Arabia.

The leaders may find common ground in the vision for Gaza’s future, with Trump suggesting significant reconstruction efforts that might involve relocating Gazans to other Arab nations.

Addressing Iran’s Threats

In previous terms, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement, reimposing harsh sanctions on Iran. Experts believe he is prepared to reinstate stringent measures against Tehran if necessary. Danny Ayalon, a former Israeli deputy foreign minister, remarked, “If not, the Iranians may face significant military action from an American-led coalition. Yet, Trump may prefer a diplomatic approach, possibly putting him at odds with Netanyahu’s stance.”

Strategic Alliances in the Region

Netanyahu values Trump’s initiatives against the International Criminal Court, which recently issued arrest warrants related to the conflict with Hamas. Ayalon indicated that U.S. involvement might lead to normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, aiming to build an economic corridor that counters Chinese influence in the region.

This meeting could also touch upon applying Israeli sovereignty over portions of the West Bank, a topic that remains contentious and was previously set aside during Trump’s first term in favor of the Abraham Accords.

Implications for Regional Stability

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Hannan Gefen pointed out that Trump assesses the Gaza situation in a broader context of regional geopolitics involving several Arab nations. Any potential rifts between the Israeli and American administrations will likely be overshadowed by the ceremony surrounding Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.

National Security Priority

Netanyahu is expected to maintain a firm stance on Israeli national security issues. Likud lawmaker Boaz Bismuth asserted, “Our national interests come above all else. The state has an obligation toward its civilians and the right to defend itself.” He emphasized the strong friendship between the U.S. and Israel enhances Israel’s security capabilities.