On July 7, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, aiming to secure a breakthrough in ending the 21-month war in Gaza. The meeting, marked by a high-stakes dinner, focused on a proposed 60-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a lasting peace agreement. With fresh momentum in negotiations, both leaders expressed cautious optimism, but significant challenges remain, including the contentious issue of Gaza’s post-war governance.
A Fragile Opportunity for Peace
The proposed ceasefire involves a 60-day truce, during which 10 live Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages would be released. Negotiators from Israel, Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt met in Doha on July 6 to iron out the final details. Trump, seizing on the recent Israel-Iran ceasefire, told reporters he believes a deal could be reached this week. Netanyahu echoed this hope, stating that his meeting with Trump could push the agreement forward.
However, the path to peace is fraught with obstacles. Hamas has requested changes to the proposal that Israel deems “unacceptable,” and Netanyahu has historically resisted signing any deal that fully ends the war. Despite this, Israel has softened its stance, no longer demanding the exile of senior Hamas officials but instead seeking the symbolic expulsion of a few military commanders. Israel also insists on dismantling Hamas’ military wing, though it is open to granting amnesty to militants who disarm.
The “Day After” Dilemma
A central focus of the Trump-Netanyahu meeting was the question of who will govern Gaza after the war. Both leaders are determined to prevent Hamas from retaining any military or governing power. Netanyahu has declared that “Hamas will not be there,” emphasizing the need to eliminate its capabilities to ensure Gaza poses no future threat to Israel. The U.S. supports this goal, aiming to establish a framework for Gaza’s governance during the 60-day truce.
Netanyahu envisions Arab countries, such as Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, taking control of Gaza alongside local Palestinian figures unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority (PA). However, these countries demand a role for the PA and a clear path toward a two-state solution, which Netanyahu and his government firmly reject. European and Arab nations also push for a two-state framework, further complicating negotiations.
Skepticism and Political Calculations
Analysts remain skeptical about the ceasefire’s longevity. Omar Rahman, an expert on Israel-Palestine, argues that Trump’s focus is on securing the release of Israeli hostages rather than addressing the broader suffering in Gaza, where over 57,000 people—mostly women and children—have been killed in what many describe as a genocide. Mairav Zonszein from the International Crisis Group warns that Israel may resume attacks without repercussions, undermining any temporary truce.
Netanyahu’s domestic challenges add another layer of complexity. Facing corruption charges in Israel, he relies on his far-right coalition, which could collapse if a permanent ceasefire is reached. Some speculate that Trump may leverage military aid to pressure Israel into pardoning Netanyahu, though such a move would be unprecedented and controversial. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who holds the power to grant a pardon, might consider it only if Netanyahu exits political life—a condition he seems unwilling to accept.
Broader Regional Dynamics
The Trump-Netanyahu meeting also touched on the Iranian nuclear crisis, with Israel preparing for potential military action if Iran revives its nuclear program. Israeli officials believe Trump might support renewed strikes under specific conditions, such as Iran attempting to rebuild its enrichment facilities. These discussions underscore the broader geopolitical stakes, as Trump seeks to claim credit for dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities and advancing normalization deals between Israel and Arab states.
A Divided Outlook in Gaza
In Gaza, opinions are split. Palestinian journalist Yaser al-Banna notes that while many pray for an end to the war, others doubt Netanyahu’s commitment to a lasting ceasefire. The devastation in Gaza, coupled with Netanyahu’s insistence on “total victory” over Hamas, fuels pessimism. Yet, shared interests among Israel, the U.S., and Arab states offer a glimmer of hope that this time could be different.
Can Trump and Netanyahu Deliver?
As Trump and Netanyahu navigate these complex negotiations, the world watches closely. A 60-day ceasefire could provide a critical window to address Gaza’s future, but without sustained pressure and clear agreements, the cycle of violence may continue. For now, the meeting represents a pivotal moment—one that could either mark a step toward peace or highlight the enduring challenges of resolving one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.
