Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Trump on Monday, following a joint Israeli-U.S. operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities last month. This visit, Netanyahu's third since Trump took office, is viewed as a way to bolster his standing with voters as he approaches an election year.
Past visits have been unpredictable; during Netanyahu's last meeting in April, he faced challenges as Trump announced plans for direct talks with Iran, which Netanyahu had opposed. This time, Trump is focused on negotiating a cease-fire in Gaza, aiming for the release of hostages held by Hamas and an end to the ongoing conflict that escalated after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Israel is currently sending negotiators to Qatar to facilitate discussions with Hamas.
The U.S. is also involved in mediating talks between Israel and Syria to restore peace along their border. Additionally, there are ongoing concerns regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities, as assessments vary on the effectiveness of the recent military actions against Iran's nuclear program.
Political commentator Alon Pinkas noted that while Netanyahu may view this meeting as a victory, he is aware that Iran still possesses some capabilities. Netanyahu is expected to seek clarity from Trump regarding future U.S. support if Iran resumes its nuclear activities.
Netanyahu's trip coincides with his ongoing corruption trial, allowing him to delay cross-examination as Israeli courts are in recess until early September. With Trump’s backing for military actions against Iran, Netanyahu finds himself reliant on his ally, though the specifics of the cease-fire and its enforcement remain unclear.
Despite hard-liners in Netanyahu’s coalition opposing a cease-fire, analysts suggest he may be able to negotiate a temporary pause in hostilities. Public sentiment in Israel is shifting against the war in Gaza, with increasing calls for an end to military operations, particularly following significant casualties on both sides.
The proposed truce includes a 60-day halt in fighting to negotiate a permanent cease-fire, though Hamas has rejected Netanyahu's terms for resolution. Some Israeli officials still support a controversial vision for Gaza proposed by Trump earlier this year, which suggested drastic measures that would violate international law.
As the situation evolves, the dynamics of the U.S.-Israel relationship and the ongoing conflict in Gaza remain critical points of discussion during Netanyahu's upcoming meetings.