Trump and Netanyahu to Address Gaza Cease-Fire During Private Dinner

During their dinner on Monday, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu will navigate the delicate waters of Middle Eastern politics amidst ongoing conflict.

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are anticipated to discuss significant Middle Eastern concerns during a private dinner scheduled for Monday night. This meeting will address the future of Gaza and the potential normalization of relations between Israel and its neighbors in the Persian Gulf. Sources familiar with the arrangements indicate that Trump is particularly focused on facilitating a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, alongside negotiations for hostage releases currently taking place in Doha.

In addition to the Gaza discussions, Trump and Netanyahu are expected to cover the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—a move seen as a part of Israel's ongoing strategic military operations against Iran. These conversations are aimed at reducing the growing instability in the region, as indicated by those privy to the meeting, who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions.

Netanyahu has made this his third trip to Washington since Trump regained the presidency in January, a frequency unmatched by any other foreign leader. Although the dynamics between the two leaders have historically been marked by mutual wariness, their working relationship has strengthened over time due to shared political interests. Before the dinner, Netanyahu will also meet with key figures such as Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special Middle East envoy, and Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State and National Security Adviser.

A pivotal topic will be the negotiation for any hostage release from Gaza, necessitating Hamas's agreement, particularly following the recent leadership changes within the group after the elimination of several key figures by Israeli forces.