Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, with expectations centering on a possible 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and their claimed joint victory over Iran.
It marks the third meeting between the two leaders this year and comes after Trump announced that Israel had agreed to terms for a ceasefire that could pave the way for ending the 21-month-long war in Gaza.
📜 Ceasefire Deal: A Fragile Framework
Hamas has reportedly given a “positive” response to Qatari and Egyptian mediators on the latest truce proposal. The deal would see a 60-day halt in hostilities and the phased release of 58 Israeli hostages captured during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
However, Israel said Hamas has requested “unacceptable” changes, though negotiators are heading to Qatar for further talks.
According to a leaked draft obtained by Al Jazeera, the ceasefire involves:
- A full 60-day pause in fighting
- The initial release of some hostages
- Humanitarian access into Gaza
But observers remain deeply sceptical.
“The way these talks are being framed leaves me sceptical,” said Omar Rahman of the Middle East Council for Global Affairs.
💣 A Bloody Toll and Lingering Doubts
Israel’s war in Gaza has killed at least 57,000 people, mostly women and children, with UN experts and human rights groups describing the campaign as genocidal.
While Trump is eager to claim victory—both over Iran and potentially over the Gaza conflict—experts argue that his primary interest lies in hostage returns, not ending the humanitarian catastrophe.
“There could be a ceasefire, but whether it will last is questionable,” said Mairav Zonszein of the International Crisis Group.
She warned that Israel has previously resumed attacks without repercussions, and doubts persist that Netanyahu will agree to anything that undermines his political coalition.
🔥 Trump’s Geopolitical Ambitions vs Netanyahu’s Survival Instincts
Analysts believe Trump is focused on achieving headline-worthy victories, such as:
- Dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities
- Retrieving hostages from Gaza
- Pushing forward Arab-Israeli normalization deals
But Netanyahu’s priorities may differ.
“Trump wants to get the Gaza issue off the table to pursue bigger diplomatic goals,” said Khaled Elgindy of Georgetown University.
Yet, Netanyahu is fighting for political survival. Facing corruption charges in Israel, his fragile far-right coalition could collapse if a permanent ceasefire is implemented.
“He could call early elections after a ceasefire to claim a political win—or go back to war to keep his coalition intact,” noted Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Relations.
⚖️ Could Netanyahu Be Pardoned to End the War?
Adding another twist, Trump has reportedly pressured Israel to drop charges against Netanyahu in exchange for ending the war. On June 28, he even threatened to suspend US military aid unless Netanyahu is pardoned.
“We are not going to stand for this,” Trump posted on X. “The US spends billions protecting Israel.”
Such a move would be unprecedented. While only Israeli President Isaac Herzog can issue a pardon, analysts say it might be possible if Netanyahu agrees to exit political life—something he has so far refused to do.
“He could have negotiated a plea deal long ago if he wanted to leave politics,” Zonszein added.
🗳️ Looking Ahead: Ceasefire or Continued Carnage?
Despite renewed diplomatic activity, many Gaza residents remain sceptical. Journalist Yaser al-Banna reports a divided sentiment:
- “Half the people in Gaza believe peace is possible,” he says.
- “The other half think Netanyahu will never honour a deal.”
Trump is expected to use the upcoming White House meeting to claim progress, even as the actual fate of Gaza’s civilians remains uncertain.
