Netanyahu to Meet Trump Amid Mounting Pressure to End Gaza War

Facing growing isolation internationally and rising domestic pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss the conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu is expected to defend his plan to "finish the job" in the Palestinian territory.

The meeting follows Trump’s announcement of a 21-point plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza, presented during talks with Arab and Muslim leaders at the UN General Assembly. On Sunday, Trump hinted at further developments in Middle East peace efforts, posting on his Truth Social platform: "WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!"

Earlier, Trump told reporters in Washington that he believed "we have a deal" on Gaza, while Netanyahu, speaking at the UN, vowed to continue Israel's military operations against Hamas.

Experts say Netanyahu is under significant pressure both internationally and at home. Eytan Gilboa, a US-Israel relations expert at Bar-Ilan University, said, "He has no other choice but to accept [Trump’s plan], simply because the United States and Trump have remained almost his only ally in the international community."

In Israel, tens of thousands of protesters have called for a ceasefire, urging Trump to use his influence over Netanyahu. Lishay Miran-Lavi, whose husband is held hostage in Gaza, said, "The only thing that can stop the slide into the abyss is a full, comprehensive agreement that ends the war and brings all the hostages and the soldiers home."

Israel’s international isolation has grown, with countries including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia officially recognizing Palestinian statehood, breaking with longstanding US-led diplomatic norms.

Trump’s 21-point plan reportedly calls for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a major humanitarian aid effort. Arab and Muslim leaders welcomed the plan but stressed an immediate halt to Israeli military operations.

Some elements of the plan may be difficult for Netanyahu to accept, including the potential involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance—a red line for his right-wing coalition.