Netanyahu’s U.S. Visit and the Pursuit of Peace: A 2025 Update
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to arrive in the United States, where analysts anticipate discussions revolving around the shared triumph of Israel and the U.S. over Iran, as well as a proposal for a ceasefire aimed at halting Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.
This marks Netanyahu’s third meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump this year, who has previously claimed that American and Israeli forces “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program during a recent military engagement. Trump has expressed intentions to reactivate airstrikes on Iran should nuclear activities resume.
Just last week, Trump stated that Israel had consented to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, providing a framework for negotiations to end the devastating 21-month-long conflict affecting the enclave. There have been signs of responsiveness from Hamas, as the group acknowledged the ceasefire proposal positively following mediations by Qatari and Egyptian officials.
Is a Ceasefire Feasible?
After Hamas’s recent reaction, Trump suggested that a potential agreement might be reached within the week, vowing to exert significant pressure on Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire. However, Israeli sources indicated that Hamas’s requests for amendments to the proposal were deemed "unacceptable," prompting Israeli negotiators to visit Qatar for further discussions.
According to a leak reported by Al Jazeera, the ceasefire involves a 60-day halt in hostilities and a phased release of some of the 58 Israeli captives currently held since the October 7, 2023, attacks led by Hamas. The ongoing conflict has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 57,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, drawing condemnation from United Nations experts and human rights advocates who describe the situation as a form of genocide against Palestinians.
Despite hopes for a ceasefire, analysts remain skeptical about its potential to lead to a lasting peace. Omar Rahman, an expert on Israeli-Palestinian relations, expressed doubts regarding the framing of ongoing ceasefire talks, suggesting that Trump’s primary concern lies in the release of Israeli captives rather than the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Trump has not always followed through on promises related to Gaza. After asserting he would bring an end to hostilities shortly after taking office in January, he failed to act when Israel subsequently resumed attacks. Mairav Zonszein from the International Crisis Group echoed these sentiments, cautioning that a temporary ceasefire may not endure, given Israel’s history of sporadic bombings in Gaza.
Political Calculations and Pressures
Amidst internal pressure, Netanyahu has consistently asserted that the conflict will not cease without a definitive victory over Hamas, a term he has yet to clarify. The Israeli leader faces pivotal decisions as he contemplates upcoming parliamentary elections, with his political future perhaps hinging on the return of captives and public sentiments surrounding the war.
Analysts suggest that Trump’s ambitions for a grand diplomatic achievement may guide the discussions between the two leaders. Trump is expected to claim credit for perceived successes against Iran while simultaneously pushing to resolve the "Gaza issue" to further normalization efforts between Israel and neighboring Arab nations.
As pressure mounts on Netanyahu to deliver results, a successful ceasefire could either bolster his popularity or unravel his fragile coalition, particularly if it signals a definitive shift in the war’s trajectory.
Unforeseen Ramifications
The stakes are high for Netanyahu, who remains under the cloud of ongoing legal challenges related to corruption. During his anticipated meeting with Trump, the two leaders may address these issues, given that Netanyahu’s tenure has afforded him significant influence over legal proceedings in Israel.
Trump has previously suggested a pardon for Netanyahu, framing the ongoing legal battles as politically motivated, which could serve as leverage in negotiations. However, analysts caution that any direct threats to military aid or negotiations around pardons would represent a profound shift in U.S.-Israeli relations, with implications not only for governance in Israel but also for the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
While Israeli President Isaac Herzog holds the power to grant a pardon, such a move would be unprecedented. Discussions about political concessions could arise, but analysts doubt Netanyahu’s willingness to step back from politics, despite extensive calls for a plea bargain that would ensure his political exit.
As analysts watch the developing situation, the future of the ceasefire—in both its feasibility and longevity—remains uncertain, amid the complexities of regional politics and ongoing humanitarian repercussions.