Trump-Netanyahu Meeting: White House Says Gaza Peace Deal ‘Very Close’

Ahead of a high-stakes meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House has indicated that a peace deal for Gaza is “very close.” According to a Reuters report, officials said Trump is expected to speak with Qatar—a key U.S. ally and mediator between Israel and Hamas—about finalizing the agreement.

“We hope that both sides will agree to the deal,” the White House said, expressing cautious optimism about the breakthrough. The proposed peace deal is believed to center around a 21-point U.S. plan that includes the release of hostages, potential recognition of Palestine, and a long-term roadmap for Gaza’s future.

The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is scheduled for Monday at the White House. This will mark Netanyahu’s fourth official visit to the U.S. since Trump took office. The timing of the meeting is especially significant, coming just days after Netanyahu delivered a controversial and defiant address at the United Nations General Assembly, where he declared that Israel would "finish the job" in Gaza and eliminate Hamas. His remarks prompted several diplomats to walk out in protest.

Trump, on the other hand, struck a more hopeful tone ahead of the meeting. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, he wrote: “We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”

Both Israel and the United States are facing increasing international pressure to bring an end to the war in Gaza, which has drawn widespread condemnation over civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis. Several Western nations, including France, the UK, Canada, and Australia, have recently moved to formally recognize Palestine as a state, renewing calls for a two-state solution.

As Trump and Netanyahu meet, all eyes are on Washington to see whether a concrete peace plan can finally emerge in one of the world's most intractable conflicts.