Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to meet in an effort to navigate the delicate balance between right-wing pressures to end a temporary truce with Hamas militants in Gaza and the desire of war-weary Israelis for peace and the return of remaining hostages.

While Trump has taken credit for brokering the ceasefire agreement, he remains cautious about the long-term stability of the truce. The meeting is expected to address not only the ongoing conflict in Gaza but also discussions around a potential Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization deal and concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Netanyahu’s visit to Washington comes amidst a backdrop of political challenges, including an ongoing corruption trial and pressure from hard-right members of his coalition to abandon the ceasefire and resume hostilities with Hamas. The Israeli leader is also under scrutiny from the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict.

Despite the domestic and international pressures facing both leaders, they are focused on advancing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which includes negotiations for the release of remaining hostages and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Trump’s involvement in the process, while popular in Israel, has raised questions about the broader implications for regional stability and peace efforts.

As the meeting progresses, stakeholders are looking for signs of progress on key issues, including the fate of the remaining hostages, the future of the ceasefire, and the potential for a broader peace agreement in the region. The outcome of the discussions between Trump and Netanyahu could have far-reaching consequences for the Middle East and beyond.

Overall, the meeting represents a critical juncture in U.S.-Israel relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. The decisions made in Washington will not only impact the immediate situation in Gaza but could also shape the future trajectory of the region as a whole.