After four years of a tense partnership with the Biden administration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat down with President Donald Trump. At the top of the agenda was level setting the relationship to where both countries are on the same page regarding the future of Gaza and Israel's place in a perilous region. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, became the centerpiece negotiator for the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release and had a pre-summit meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister to discuss the fragile pause in the conflict with Hamas.
President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu Cement Ties
The US and Israel departed the Biden era with a fractured partnership. US strong words of support for Israel did not match its actions, and trust between the nations was strained. During the substantive meeting between President Trump and PM Netanyahu, the two leaders first and foremost established expectations going forward. "President Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet Tuesday [Feb. 4] as the Israeli prime minister faces competing pressure from his right-wing coalition to end a temporary truce against Hamas militants in Gaza and from war-weary Israelis who want the remaining hostages home and the 15-month conflict to end," the Associated Press reported. President Trump has expectations from the home front as well. The US foreign policy for the Middle East depends on getting closure on the Hamas problem. Moving forward on the Abraham Accords, part two is stymied by the ongoing fighting in Gaza. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is going to be reluctant to sign on to the Accords without a way ahead on the Palestinians and where to settle those who want to leave Gaza.
Netanyahu's visit was the first foreign leader to carry out face-to-face discussions with Trump following his inauguration. Trump and Netanyahu covered the future for phase two of the Gaza ceasefire and how US foreign policy for the Middle East will support that future. Maintaining the ceasefire is critical to continuing with phase two, which is precarious at best. Phase two of the ceasefire agreement would continue, "If Israel and Hamas reach a further agreement, all remaining hostages are supposed to be freed, and in return, Israel will completely withdraw from Gaza during this phase," according to the New York Post analysis. The problem is that Israel has said it won't pull out of Gaza until Hamas's military and political power is eliminated. Hamas leadership remains deluded with the notion that, in some form, the terrorist organization will have a place in the Gazan government.
Before their meeting, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu held a press availability in the Oval Office. Among the comments the Israeli Prime Minister made was his reiterating Israel's position that Hamas will not have any part in governing Gaza. Interestingly, when Peter Doocy from Fox News put Netanyahu on the spot asking who he thought was most influential in getting the ceasefire and starting the hostage return, he answered, "President Trump added great force and leadership to this effort. I appreciate it. He sent a very good emissary… I'm happy that they’re here." When asked if the Prime Minister supported "going forward with this deal and getting all the hostages out?" He explained, "I support getting all the hostages out and meeting all our war goals…That includes destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities and making sure that Gaza never poses a threat to Israel again." President Trump was very positive in his views on the situation with Hamas. "We're going to get it wrapped up. We're going to get it done," he declared. "We solve problems."
Other subjects covered included Iran, and President Trump's position could not have been clearer. “We are not going to allow them to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told one reporter. When the subject of what to do with the Palestinian residents of Gaza came up, Trump maintained that the best solution was getting them resettled in neighboring countries. He was asked what other countries besides Jordan and Egypt might accept the Palestinian refugees. "Well, I think Jordan and Egypt will. I know they've spoken about it with you [the press], they say they're not going to accept, but I say they will. But I think other countries will accept also." The US chief executive described Gaza as a "demolition site, right now… There's hardly a building standing…You can't live in Gaza right now…I think that if we can resettle and I believe we can do it." The only reason the Palestinians want to return is because they have no alternative. He acknowledged that the leaders of Jordan and Egypt had said no. He also explained that other countries, like Mexico, initially said no to a US request but were persuaded to come to an accommodation with President Trump.
Press Conference Following Discussions Wrapped Up The Visit
Following the meetings, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu held the first joint press conference of the Trump administration. The US Chief Executive recounted the accomplishments achieved with Israel. He pointed out the Gaza Strip has been a horrible place, and the Palestinians should be resettled in neighboring countries. The US will take over the Gaza Strip, get rid of the unexploded ordinance, and create a livable area. Trump explained the US wants peace and tranquility in the region. The discussion included working together to ensure Hamas is eliminated and peace can be restored.
"You are the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House," is how Prime Minister Netanyahu opened his remarks. He emphasized that the Trump administration lifted the ban on munitions to Israel. Netanyahu enumerated the initiatives Trump had taken to support Israel in only two weeks. He talked about the Israel Defense Force taking out terrorists wanted for killing American Marines after decades of effort. “Israel will end the war by winning the war.” Israel's leader closed his remarks speaking to President Trump with "Your willingness to puncture conventional thinking. Thinking that has failed time and time and time again…You cut to the chase. You see things others refuse to see. You say things others refuse to say…This is the kind of thinking that will reshape the Middle East and bring peace."
In characterizing the meeting between the two Allies and partners, it is clear that though there may be differences of opinion on the details of bringing peace to the region, there is no daylight between the two in what that peace looks like. The objective is getting the hostages back, all of them, ensuring that Hamas is never a threat again and ensuring that Iran does not get a nuclear weapon and is no longer a regional threat. Prime Minister Netanyahu made the key takeaway during the pre-meeting press availability. The US and Israel are stronger, and the "bonds are unbreakable."
The views expressed are those of the author and not of any other affiliate.
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