Why Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with Donald Trump is key to Gaza ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, February 4, as questions about tensions in the Middle East loom. The meeting comes as the negotiations are due for the second phase of a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Trump's stance on the negotiation conditions will influence Israel's deal with Hamas.

Trump appears to be cautious about a long-term peace deal between Israel and Hamas, with the US President telling reporters that he has “no guarantees” that the ceasefire would hold.

Why meeting Trump is important for Netanyahu

Netanyahu faces competing pressures within his country. Many Israelis want an end to the 15-month-long conflict between Hamas and their country. On the other hand, Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition is mounting demands to end the temporary ceasefire with Hamas.


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The Israeli Prime Minister is also in the middle of a weeks-long testimony in a corruption trial, where he stands accused of exchanging favours with wealthy associates and media company owners. Meeting with Trump, who is popular in Israel, can boost Netanyahu’s ratings.

This will be Benjamin Netanyahu’s first foreign trip since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him, accusing him of crimes against humanity during the Gaza war.

The ICC’s authority is not recognised by the United States over its territory or citizens. The ICC had issued similar warrants against Netanyahu’s former defence minister Yoav Gallant and late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

What Trump and Netanyahu could discuss

The Israeli leader is expected to discuss a range of issues regarding the Middle East with Trump such as the second phase of the ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, how to proceed in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear program and prospects of an Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization deal.

What Trump has said about Gaza

Donald Trump has called for US allies Egypt and Jordan to take in Palestinians as Gaza needs to be rebuilt. The topic is likely to be a discussion when Jordanian leader King Abdullah visits Trump next week, CNN reported.

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The US President views Gaza as “a demolition site” that could take at least 10-15 years to be rebuilt. He believes that he can convince Jordan and Egypt to accept displaced Palestinians due to the significant aid they receive from the United States.

FAQs

Why did the 15-month-long conflict between Hamas and Israel start?
The conflict started after Hamas militants mounted an attack on Israeli soil that killed hundreds.

What do the second phase of ceasefire negotiations entail?
The second phase of negotiations have seen Hamas call for complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. It has said that it will not release hostages until this condition is fulfilled.