Trump Seeks Peace As Netanyahu Exits Without Gaza Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu left Washington without securing a Gaza ceasefire, despite Trump’s mediation efforts. Trump, eyeing peacemaker status and a Nobel nomination, faces obstacles in persuading Israel and Hamas. Political pressures in Israel and ongoing hostilities complicate prospects for a lasting truce.
Gaza Ceasefire Talks Quick Looks
- Netanyahu visited Washington aiming for ceasefire discussions.
- Trump pushes for a 60-day truce between Israel and Hamas.
- No breakthrough emerged despite multiple high-level meetings.
- Trump nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize amid efforts.
- Netanyahu faces intense domestic and political pressures.
- Far-right Israeli coalition partners oppose leaving Hamas intact.
- Hostage crisis and Israeli casualties deepen urgency.
- Netanyahu open to temporary ceasefire if Hamas yields arms.
Trump Seeks Peace As Netanyahu Exits Without Gaza Deal
Deep Look
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded his high-profile visit to Washington this week without achieving a breakthrough on a Gaza ceasefire, leaving U.S. President Donald Trump’s peacemaking ambitions in limbo.
While Netanyahu and Trump emphasized their shared goal of ending the violence in Gaza, concrete progress remained elusive. Trump, determined to cement his reputation as a dealmaker and eyeing a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, had invested considerable political capital into brokering a 60-day truce between Israel and Hamas. Yet, even after several intense meetings at the White House and on Capitol Hill, no agreement was announced.
“He prides himself on being able to make deals, so this is another test case,” remarked Rachel Brandenburg, Washington managing director and senior fellow at the Israel Policy Forum, underscoring the stakes for Trump’s diplomatic persona.
This attempt to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza’s 21-month-long conflict has become a significant measure of Trump’s influence over Netanyahu, particularly after the two leaders recently coordinated joint strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities—a move both hailed as a strategic victory.
Beyond diplomatic overtures, Netanyahu appeared eager to reinforce his relationship with Trump, even publicly nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize during the Washington visit. Such gestures, while flattering, may not overcome the stark political realities and constraints facing both leaders.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking Thursday from Kuala Lumpur, struck a cautiously optimistic tone.
“We’re closer than we’ve been in quite a while and we’re hopeful, but we also recognize there’s still some challenges in the way,” he said, noting Trump’s strong desire to see a ceasefire.
For Trump, achieving peace in Gaza would open the door to larger Middle East initiatives, such as expanding the Abraham Accords and potentially normalizing ties with Syria’s government. “He wants to be the one who gets hostages home and sees the war in Gaza end so he can move on to some of these bigger deals,” Brandenburg added.
However, Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel’s military campaign will persist if necessary until Hamas is dismantled. Meanwhile, Hamas insists that any hostage releases are contingent upon an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—a concession Israel firmly rejects.
The dynamics between Trump and Netanyahu reflect both personal and political calculations. Their relationship, once strained, has warmed considerably in recent months. Trump previously stunned allies by criticizing Netanyahu for being unprepared during Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel in October 2023. He also faulted Netanyahu for what he viewed as a betrayal in the wake of the U.S. operation that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
Yet, recent events have brought the two leaders closer. Trump’s decision to join Israel’s strikes against Iran, despite sparking global unease and pushback from some “America First” loyalists, has strengthened their alliance. Netanyahu, speaking in English for a global audience after the strikes, praised Trump’s leadership as transformative for the Middle East’s future.
While the optics of camaraderie were on full display—Netanyahu was photographed presenting Trump with official documents and accolades—there’s no certainty that personal rapport will translate into policy breakthroughs.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from multiple fronts. Israelis are growing increasingly anxious as hostages remain captive in Gaza and soldiers continue to fall victim to guerrilla tactics. Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners remain adamant that Israel must achieve “total victory,” refusing any ceasefire that leaves Hamas intact. Should Netanyahu compromise too far, he risks triggering a coalition collapse and possibly early elections—a scenario that could imperil his extended tenure and leave him more vulnerable to longstanding corruption allegations.
Despite these obstacles, Netanyahu hinted at some flexibility. In a video message released Thursday, he expressed willingness to consider a “temporary” 60-day ceasefire if it leads to the release of half the remaining hostages, though he warned that a permanent truce hinges on Hamas surrendering its weapons—a condition the militant group refuses while Israel maintains a presence in Gaza.
“If it is not achieved through negotiations in 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways — by using force,” Netanyahu stated firmly, signaling that military options remain firmly on the table.
For now, Trump’s quest for peacemaker glory continues, but the path to a Gaza ceasefire remains as treacherous and complex as ever.
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