Washington (TDI): President Donald Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House today for what is being described as a high-stakes push to finalize a Gaza peace deal.
Trump claims that the deal is “effectively done,” following recent consultations with Muslim leaders on the sidelines of UN General Assembly. On Sunday, he also posted on his Truth Social platform that all stakeholders are on board.
But this is not the first time Trump has expressed optimism about a conclusive and decisive Gaza peace deal. He has come up with proposals earlier as well but Israel and Hamas could not work it through.
The latest blow to peace negotiations came when Israel attacked Doha on September 9, aiming to target the senior Hamas command that undertakes negotiations.
On Monday afternoon (1:15 p.m. ET), Trump and Netanyahu will also hold a joint press conference.
Netanyahu’s recent rhetoric suggests more caution about Trump’s latest 21-point peace plan. In his speech at the United Nations he reiterated his stance – to “finish the job” against Hamas, while rejecting recognition of Palestinian state.
Read More: Pakistan Hopes for ‘Encouraging’ Outcome on Gaza After Trump Hints Breakthrough
Analysts say the outcome of the meeting hinges on how much leverage Trump is willing to exert. Natan Sachs of the Middle East Institute told AFP that Netanyahu “has a clear preference for continuing the war,” but that a sustained US pressure campaign might shift the balance.
The 21‑point ceasefire and peace plan includes disarming Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, and placing Gaza under a transitional governance structure potentially led by an interim international authority.
Even former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has been include in the discussions to be a formal part of this interim structure; something which is being widely criticized for Blair’s decisive role viz a viz the Middle East.
However, Netanyahu has expressly opposed restoring governance to the Palestinian Authority (PA), which until 2007 held control in Gaza.
Last week, as pressure mounted due to a streak of recognitions of Palestinian statehood at the UN, Trump warned Netanyahu not to move forward with plans to annex the West Bank.
With Gaza’s death toll exceeding 66,000 and humanitarian conditions worsening, more an more countries now want to see an end to this war, and today’s meeting is being eyed for something substantial to offer.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
