As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to depart for Washington on Sunday, sources in his circle clarify that he remains committed to his demands to remove Hamas from power in Gaza and demilitarize the Strip. This aligns with the war's original objectives, stating that "Gaza will not pose a threat to Israel."
Netanyahu will travel to the US on Sunday afternoon and meet with President Donald Trump on Monday. This marks the third meeting between the two leaders within six months. According to sources involved in the details, the meeting will focus on two central issues – arrangements to ensure Iran does not rebuild nuclear capabilities and future phases of the Gaza war amid efforts to reach a new hostage deal. The two leaders may also announce new tariff arrangements between the countries.
A source close to the White House tells Israel Hayom that while President Trump strongly desires to end the Gaza war, he also maintains his original position that Hamas will not be part of Gaza's post-war government and that the Strip will be evacuated for reconstruction. In April, Trump was explicitly asked whether he believed Hamas could be part of Gaza's future government. His response was that "Hamas cannot be allowed to do this."
Trump's senior envoy, Steve Witkoff, made similar statements to Fox News in March. "They (Hamas) have no logical or rational choice except to leave. If they leave, I think everything is on the table for an agreed peace deal."
As recalled, the prime minister himself declared during a visit to Qatzaa facilities in Ashkelon that he is committed to eliminating Hamas. "I announce to you – there will be no Hamas. There will be no Hamastan. We're not going back to that. It's over. We will free all our hostages." To claims that these are contradictory goals, Netanyahu responded, "Really, how can you say these are two conflicting objectives? What nonsense! This works together. We will complete this together, contrary to what they say. We will eliminate them to the foundation."
From conversations with sources involved in the details, it appears the prime minister has indeed compromised on several parameters with Hamas in order to reach a hostage deal. However, in his view, if Hamas does not relinquish control of Gaza to another body and does not disarm, then the war will resume after the ceasefire.
Israel is capable of returning to fight in Gaza, and this could happen after two months, or even later if negotiations on ending the war reach a deadlock. According to one source, "Just as Israel returned to war after the first hostage deal in 2023, and in a second deal in 2025, so it will be in this case. Israel's demands always were and will continue to be demilitarizing Gaza and removing Hamas from power."
Simultaneously, Israel and the US continue to advance the Gaza emigration plan behind the scenes. According to a knowledgeable source, three countries have expressed a principled agreement to absorb large numbers of Gaza residents, and three additional countries are seriously considering this option. However, the process can only mature after the war ends.
The same applies to the reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, according to Trump's vision. Only after the war ends and many residents leave for other countries will the international community mobilize to reconstruct Gaza from the extensive destruction the war created.
