Senior Israeli officials are expressing concern over efforts to dissuade President Trump from launching a military strike against Iran in the near future. Regarding the ceasefire in Gaza, Trump commented that "there is no guarantee it will hold and endure into the next phase."
Ahead of the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump at the White House, sources familiar with discussions among American counterparts report that some of Trump's closest advisors oppose military action as an initial step against Iran. Instead, they are recommending that Trump reinstate the "maximum pressure" policy through economic sanctions.
Over the past few months, Trump has consistently acknowledged, both in private conversations and public statements, the severe threat posed by Iran and its ambition to acquire nuclear weapons. However, he has refrained from committing to a specific course of action. On numerous occasions, Trump has expressed his desire to end wars around the world. Senior officials in his administration who oppose action against Iran are using this argument to persuade him not to deploy US military forces against Iran's nuclear infrastructure at this time.
Opposition to Saudi initiative
As for US-Saudi negotiations, there is growing opposition in Washington to including the idea of a "Palestinian state" in a potential peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, should such a deal materialize. Israel Hayom has obtained a letter from US Representative Andy Harris of Maryland's First Congressional District, addressed to Prime Minister Netanyahu ahead of his meeting with President Trump. In the letter, Harris expressed his support for the recent resolution passed by the Knesset, which states that "the Knesset firmly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River."
Israeli officials' statements come in advance of Netanyahu's meeting with Trump at the White House today. Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader to meet Trump since his return to the White House. However, contrary to diplomatic norms, the meeting has been scheduled for late at night according to Israel time. Following their discussion in the Oval Office, the two leaders will hold a joint press conference.
The central focus of their meeting will be the shared interest of both Israel and the US in preventing a renewed war while also working to remove Hamas from Gaza. Given strong Arab opposition to any proposal for a humanitarian evacuation of Gaza's civilian population, it remains unclear whether Trump's earlier suggestion on this matter is still under consideration. At the same time, Israel continues to propose the possibility of relocating Hamas leadership from Gaza to a third country, which would effectively mean the end of Hamas rule in the territory.
A fragile ceasefire
Trump told reporters at the White House yesterday that there is no guarantee the ceasefire will hold into the next phase. Last night Netanyahu met with US envoy Whitcoff. The meeting officially launched discussions on the next phase of the hostage deal, in accordance with the agreement with Hamas, which stipulates that negotiations for the second phase will begin on the 16th day following the implementation of the first phase of the deal.
