Trump and Netanyahu Meet Amid Gaza Truce Uncertainty and Netanyahu’s Legal Challenges

President Donald Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday for a vital meeting that will address the fragile truce in Gaza, the remaining hostages held by Hamas, and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Pressure on Netanyahu Mounts as Gaza Truce Dangles in the Balance

Netanyahu faces internal pressure from his right-wing coalition to abandon the temporary truce against Hamas and resume fighting in Gaza.

Meanwhile, war-weary Israelis are eager for the hostages to return home and for an end to the 15-month conflict.

“I have no guarantees that the peace is going to hold,” Trump told reporters on Monday.

Focus on Hostage Release and a Larger Middle East Picture

The leaders’ talks in Washington, the first foreign visit of Trump’s second term, will also touch upon a long-sought Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization agreement and concerns about Iran’s nuclear program.

However, reaching a second phase of the hostage deal—which would see the release of additional hostages in exchange for a prisoner swap—is likely to be the top priority.

Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. comes at a challenging time domestically.
He is facing an ongoing corruption trial that has eroded public support and is currently in the midst of weekslong testimony.

International Tensions and Trump’s Leverage

Netanyahu is also grappling with an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued in November.The warrant accuses him, his former defense minister, and Hamas’ slain military chief of crimes against humanity during the war in Gaza. The U.S. does not recognize the ICC’s authority.

Despite these challenges, Netanyahu hopes to gain a boost in popularity by appearing alongside Trump, who remains popular in Israel.

Trump, meanwhile, is eager to solidify his legacy in the Middle East, viewing the ceasefire as a potential achievement.

“The president started his term by saying that he wanted the ceasefire to be in place by Jan. 20. That’s what he got,” said Mira Resnick, a former U.S. State Department official. “He is invested in this because he was able to take credit for it.”

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among the hostages, urges Trump to ensure Netanyahu adheres to the agreement.

“I want President Trump to know there are certain extreme elements from within Israel who are trying to torpedo his vision,” Zangauker said.

Trump’s Complicated Approach to Palestinian Displaced Peoples

Trump intends to leverage U.S. aid to push Egypt and Jordan to agree to the relocation of displaced Palestinians, a controversial proposition that could jeopardize the potential Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization deal. The Saudis have made clear they will only normalize relations if there is a significant pathway toward a Palestinian state.

“This push by Trump doesn’t square with the idea of a Palestinian state as we know it,” said Shibley Telhami, a Middle East expert. “It’s hard to see the Saudis going along with it.”

Netanyahu Seeks Strong Action against Iran

Netanyahu will also press Trump to take decisive action against Iran. Iran has suffered significant military setbacks, including Israeli strikes on Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, along with damage to Iran’s air defenses. Netanyahu believes now is the time to address Iran’s nuclear program.

“This is one of the most important and critical meetings between an American president and an Israeli prime minister,” said Eytan Gilboa, a U.S.-Israel relations expert. “What’s at stake here is not just bilateral relations between Israel and the United States but the reshaping of the Middle East.”