Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
A High Stakes Meeting in Trump’s Second Term
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to become the first foreign leader to meet President Donald Trump at the White House in his second term. This visit comes at a decisive moment for the ongoing Gaza ceasefire and Israel’s political landscape.
Ceasefire Agreement and Political Tensions
Trump has taken credit for brokering a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, leading to the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides. However, Netanyahu has insisted that the ceasefire is only temporary and that Israel reserves the right to resume military operations against Hamas.
The ceasefire deal has sparked political turmoil within Netanyahu’s government. A far right ally has already resigned in protest, calling the agreement “reckless,” while another threatens to leave if military action does not resume potentially collapsing Netanyahu’s coalition.
Next Phase of the Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid
If the truce holds, 33 more hostages are expected to be released by March 1 in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The agreement has also allowed much needed humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and led to a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The next stage of negotiations aims for a permanent end to the war and the release of all remaining hostages from the October 7 Hamas-led attack. The attack resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken, while Israel’s military response has caused over 47,400 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
US-Israel Diplomacy and Regional Strategy
Netanyahu's office considers his Washington meeting with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff as the official start of talks for a long term resolution. Witkoff is also engaging with Qatari and Egyptian officials, who have played key roles in mediation efforts.
Trump has emphasized his desire to end wars in the Middle East and has stated that ceasefire negotiations are "progressing," with significant meetings planned with Netanyahu.
Netanyahu’s ICC Arrest Warrant and US Support
Netanyahu’s visit follows the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes. The US, which does not recognize the ICC, has strongly condemned the move, ensuring Netanyahu faces no legal risk in Washington.
Reviving Israeli-Saudi Relations and Countering Iran
The leaders are expected to discuss reviving normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which Riyadh suspended during the Gaza war. Saudi Arabia has since hardened its stance, demanding a resolution on Palestinian statehood before any formal agreement.
Trump and Netanyahu share a firm stance against Iran, which launched direct missile and drone attacks on Israel last year. Trump previously withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and has vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The Abraham Accords and Shifting Regional Alliances
Both leaders are eager to build on the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations during Trump’s first term. Trump’s administration sees strengthening these agreements as a means to promote regional stability and counter Iran.
Balancing Domestic and International Pressures
Netanyahu faces mounting pressure both from his far right allies who demand an end to the ceasefire and from the Israeli public, which broadly supports continuing negotiations to secure hostage releases.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has extended political backing for Netanyahu to move forward with negotiations, stating, "There is no political reason preventing Netanyahu from going to the next phase."
Trump-Netanyahu Relationship: A Strategic but Unpredictable Alliance
Trump has historically been a strong supporter of Netanyahu, having previously relocated the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. His administration now includes key pro Israel figures who are expected to push back against international criticism of Israel’s military actions and support settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
However, Trump and Netanyahu have had an unpredictable personal relationship. Israeli media is closely watching how their meeting will unfold, with speculation about how Netanyahu will navigate Trump’s strong personality and shifting priorities.
Israeli journalist Nahum Barnea offers a blunt warning about Trump’s approach: "Netanyahu will try to assess the new Trump what excites him, what irritates him. But he should remember an old American saying: ‘Don’t bullshit a bullshitter.’ Trump is at his peak, with boundless ambition, immediate gratification, and little patience. You’ve been duly warned."
As Netanyahu steps into this high stakes meeting, the outcome could shape Israel’s future in Gaza, its regional alliances, and the stability of his government.
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