Former President Donald Trump recently made shuddering news. He had just declared the United States and Israel “more than very close” to getting a long-desired peace agreement over the long-simmering Gaza conflict. This latest message follows a rather embarrassing joint presser with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The two leaders greeted each other with handshakes and guttural sounds, signaling their mutual support to their opponents.
As we know today, the ongoing Gaza war has brought unbelievable destruction, leaving the strip in complete and utter ruins. This destruction has caused a massive humanitarian disaster. As the conflict continues, Netanyahu’s primary objective remains the complete dismantling of Hamas, an organization he blames for perpetuating violence and instability.
In fact, when campaigning for the 2024 presidential race, Trump made his dedication to finishing the Gaza war quickly famous. He repeatedly insists that a peace deal is right around the corner. As they have done in the past, these efforts have crumbled under the weight of recurrent violence and hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Netanyahu’s recent visit marks his fourth trip to the White House since Trump resumed office in January, emphasizing his focus on strengthening Israel’s crucial relationship with the U.S.
Last week, Trump moved dramatically towards peace by unveiling to Arab and Muslim countries this seven-bullet-point plan. He did this, strategically, during the UN General Assembly with the intent to bolster diplomatic efforts. The amended deal Weiner has abjured goes further, calling for a ceasefire outright and the release of all hostages taken by Hamas. That’s what Trump’s sole objective during talks with Netanyahu should be – to fill in the gaps that still exist between them.
“I also want to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for agreeing to the plan and for trusting that if we work together, we can bring an end to the death and destruction that we’ve seen for so many years, decades, even centuries and begin a new chapter of security, peace and prosperity for the entire region,” – Donald Trump
Yet, while these discussions are promising, external pressures continue to upend the peace process. A coalition of Western leaders voiced support for Palestinian statehood last week, a move that represents a departure from the delayed U.S. leadership on the matter. Netanyahu has sworn to wage war on Palestinian population centers until Hamas, the group that runs Gaza, is destroyed. This should raise alarm bells about the viability of any suggested ceasefire.
Otherwise, if Trump and Netanyahu are truly conspiring to cut a new path to peace, they are confronted today both by the urgent pressures of the newly strengthened conflict sparked by renewed violence and long-standing historical enmities exacerbated by recent geopolitical upheaval.
