Netanyahu and Trump to Discuss Iran, Hamas at White House Meeting “`

TEL AVIV – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming White House meeting aims to strengthen ties with the Trump administration and secure its backing on Iran and the Hamas conflict, according to Israeli officials.

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, described the visit as a significant moment, signifying close cooperation between both governments.

He highlighted the visit as the first by a foreign leader to the White House during Trump’s second term, anticipating enhanced bilateral efforts for regional security and prosperity.

Leiter emphasized that Iran would be a key discussion point, asserting that allowing Tehran to retain nuclear capabilities is unacceptable.

Netanyahu’s previous White House visit in July 2024, under President Biden, occurred 20 months after Biden’s re-election, perceived by many as a slight given the Biden administration’s distancing from traditional bipartisan support for Israel.

Netanyahu interpreted Trump’s decision to meet him first as a testament to the strong U.S.-Israel alliance, highlighting that the meeting will address critical issues facing Israel, including defeating Hamas, securing the release of hostages, and confronting the Iranian threat.

With 79 hostages, including six dual U.S.-Israeli citizens, held by Hamas in Gaza, former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren noted that Trump likely wants Netanyahu to proceed with the second phase of the Hamas ceasefire deal, a challenging prospect for Israel as it leaves Hamas in control of Gaza.

While Trump expressed uncertainty about the ceasefire’s longevity, his envoys recently urged Israel to implement all three phases, and Trump reportedly pledged to support a renewed conflict if negotiations fail.

Oren also anticipated discussions on the Palestinian issue, the potential revival of Trump’s peace plan, and finalizing Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization, acknowledging potential pressure from Saudi Arabia regarding Palestinian statehood, a topic some within Netanyahu’s coalition oppose.

Trump’s proposed solution involves Gaza’s redevelopment and potentially relocating its residents to Arab countries, aiming for a complete resolution of the Gaza issue.

Trump’s previous withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and subsequent “maximum pressure” campaign, largely reversed by the Biden administration, is expected to be revisited. Former Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon anticipates Trump’s readiness to reinstate sanctions and issue military threats to bring Iran back to the negotiating table for a nuclear deal, ballistic missile testing, and terror financing.

Ayalon added that failing a diplomatic resolution, military action, potentially led by a U.S.-led coalition, may be considered, referencing reports suggesting a potential U.S. or Israeli strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. However, Ayalon expects Trump to prioritize a diplomatic solution, potentially diverging from Netanyahu’s stance.

Ayalon further noted Netanyahu’s appreciation for Trump’s response to the International Criminal Court’s actions against Israeli officials and predicted discussions about Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization within a broader Middle East restructuring effort.

A potential economic corridor spanning Asia to Europe via Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, and possibly the Palestinian Authority, aligns with Trump’s aim to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Ayalon suggested.

Other topics may include a U.S.-backed Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank and enhanced defense cooperation, potentially including developing a U.S. Iron Dome-like missile defense system.

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Hannan Gefen highlighted the differing approaches of the Trump and Biden administrations, emphasizing Trump’s broader perspective on Gaza, involving regional players such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.

Gefen also noted potential disagreements over Trump’s possible Syria withdrawal and differing views on responding to Hezbollah and Houthi actions.

Likud lawmaker Boaz Bismuth affirmed that Netanyahu won’t compromise on Israel’s national security interests, prioritizing Israel’s right to self-defense.