Trump and Netanyahu to Meet and Discuss Gaza, Tariffs, More

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ALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — On Monday, President Donald Trump is set to hold a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking their second encounter at the White House since Trump resumed his presidency.

This visit, which has been confirmed by both a White House representative and Netanyahu’s office on Saturday, coincides with Israel’s military actions as they establish a new security corridor across Gaza aimed at exerting pressure on the Hamas militant group. According to Israel’s defense minister, the country plans to annex substantial portions of the territory into its designated security zones.

Israel broke the cease-fire last month with an unexpected attack on Gaza, attempting to compel Hamas to accept new cease-fire terms, which has received backing from the White House. The aftermath has seen hundreds of Palestinian fatalities.

The Israeli government has vowed to intensify its military operations in Gaza until Hamas returns the remaining hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack that ignited the conflict, disarms, and withdraws from the territory. Additionally, Israel has ceased all deliveries of food, fuel, and humanitarian supplies into Gaza.

A statement from Netanyahu’s office on social media outlined that the agenda for the meeting with Trump will include discussions on issues such as tariffs, the effort to secure the release of hostages, Israel-Turkey relations, the Iranian threat, and the ongoing situation with the International Criminal Court, which has imposed a 17% tariff on Israel.

Netanyahu is currently facing charges from the court concerning alleged crimes against humanity in Gaza, while the U.S. does not hold membership in the court.

In February, Netanyahu was the first foreign leader to be invited to the White House during Trump’s second term, where their discussions revolved around Israel’s conflict with Hamas and strategies for a cease-fire.

Following that meeting, Trump made a controversial suggestion that displaced Palestinians be resettled outside Gaza, with the U.S. taking a role in transforming the area into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” This proposal faced significant backlash from Palestinians and criticism from Arab nations and human rights organizations.

The February meeting also allowed Netanyahu to showcase the Trump administration’s strong support for Israel, while diverting attention from domestic political pressures he faces.

Those pressures have intensified as protests grow among Israelis regarding the government’s inability to secure the return of hostages from Gaza and Netanyahu’s controversial actions involving the dismissal of key security officials. Additionally, he is facing increased demands to take responsibility for the failures leading up to the October 7 attack.

In a heartfelt statement released on Saturday, families of hostages in Gaza urged Trump to “use all your influence to persuade Netanyahu to end this conflict and secure the return of our loved ones.”

“We are reaching out to President Trump: Netanyahu is misleading when he asserts that military pressure will lead to the return of the hostages. The only way to bring them back swiftly is to halt the war and facilitate their return all at once,” stated Ifat Calderon, the aunt of hostage Ofer Calderon, during a press conference in Tel Aviv.

Hamas has indicated that it will only consider releasing the remaining 59 hostages — 24 of whom are thought to be alive — in exchange for the release of additional Palestinian prisoners, a lasting cease-fire, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The attack on October 7 resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in southern Israel, predominantly civilians. While 251 hostages were initially taken, many have since been released through cease-fire agreements and other negotiations.

In Gaza, more than 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives during Israel’s military operations, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Conversely, Israel claims to have killed around 20,000 militants, yet has not provided corroborating evidence.