A senior diplomatic official said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may meet United States President Donald Trump again this week if developments warrant it. The official avoided specifying what circumstances would prompt another meeting but appeared to suggest it could involve a potential agreement between Hamas and Israel or between Syria and Israel.
The senior diplomatic official noted that significant gaps remain in negotiations with both Hamas and Syria, requiring substantial work. A source in Netanyahu's entourage in Washington said, "Hamas' response to the Qatari proposal was essentially 'no.' But the gaps are small. It could take more than a few days."
Video: Netanyahu meets with Trump at the White House and nominates him for the peace prize / Credit: Reuters
The senior diplomatic official detailed Israel's vision for Gaza's management after the war ends. The official explained that the practical implementation of the goal to "collapse Hamas' civilian rule" involves dismantling Hamas' ability to distribute food to Gaza's residents.
Regarding the objective to "neutralize Hamas' military capabilities," which the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet set at the war's outset, the official described its practical application as, "There is no Hamas. It has laid down its weapons. People have surrendered. The organization's leadership in Gaza has been exiled, and another force prevents the use of weapons in the Strip." The senior diplomatic official added that no decision has been made on who that force would be but emphasized it would not involve Palestinian Authority personnel.
The senior diplomatic official stressed that Israel will no longer accept calls to establish a Palestinian state. He did not rule out the possibility of a temporary Israeli military administration in Gaza. He also revealed that the scope of Hamas leaders' exile has not yet been finalized.
