Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, is seeking support from the US to defeat Hamas in a meeting with President Trump. Hamas, which has regained control over Gaza since the recent ceasefire, is refusing to release hostages without an end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Netanyahu, facing pressure to resume the war from far-right partners, remains committed to achieving victory over Hamas and securing the release of all hostages. The stance of President Trump is uncertain, as he has shown support for Israel while also advocating for peace in the Middle East. The ceasefire agreement brokered by Trump has resulted in the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu’s upcoming meeting with Trump signifies the strong alliance between Israel and the US. They plan to discuss defeating Hamas, securing the release of hostages, and addressing the Iranian terror network. Netanyahu and Trump aim to strengthen security, expand peace efforts, and promote peace through strength. The conflict with Hamas began in 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages. The first phase of the ceasefire has seen some hostages released and Palestinians returning to damaged areas. Negotiations for the second phase, which could lead to the end of the war and the return of remaining hostages, are set to begin. If an agreement is not reached, the conflict may resume in March. Additionally, there are hopes for a broader peace deal in the region, with US involvement in the ceasefire negotiations.
He raced over the finish line after meeting with Netanyahu in Israel last week, setting the stage for formal talks on the second phase scheduled to commence in Washington on Monday. In Gaza City, Hamas terrorists prepared for a hostage exchange on Saturday. President Trump, known for his role in brokering normalization agreements between Israel and four Arab countries during his first term, now aims for a broader and potentially historic agreement that would see Israel establishing ties with Saudi Arabia. However, the kingdom, resistant to similar overtures from the Biden administration, has stipulated that it would only consider such a deal if the ongoing conflict ends and a viable pathway to a Palestinian state encompassing Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem — territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war — is established. Netanyahu’s government opposes the concept of Palestinian statehood, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent figure in the far-right coalition, threatening to withdraw support if the conflict is not reignited next month, potentially leading to early elections and the possibility of Netanyahu losing his position as leader.
