Trump and Netanyahu to Discuss Gaza Ceasefire Amid U.S. Concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to meet at Mar-a-Lago on Monday to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and the broader peace process. This meeting comes as U.S. officials express concerns that Israeli actions may be undermining the ceasefire agreement.

According to reports, members of Trump's administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have grown frustrated with Netanyahu's approach, believing it could jeopardize the ceasefire framework. A senior Israeli official noted, "Bibi is trying to convince a one-man audience," referring to Trump, and added that Netanyahu "has lost them."

The ceasefire plan's initial phase includes a cessation of hostilities, a limited withdrawal by the Israel Defense Forces, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and increased humanitarian aid. However, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating these terms. Hamas has yet to return the body of Sgt. Ran Gvili, while Israel has not fully opened the Rafah Crossing, allowing movement only out of Gaza.

The second phase of the plan aims to establish a Palestinian technocratic government in Gaza, overseen by a Trump-led Board of Peace, and to deploy an International Stabilization Force as Israeli forces gradually withdraw. This phase also seeks the decommissioning of Hamas's weapons and the demilitarization of Gaza, though Hamas has resisted disarmament.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have been coordinating with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to advance this phase. However, Netanyahu has expressed skepticism, particularly regarding Gaza's demilitarization, leading to tensions with U.S. officials. A senior Israeli official remarked, "It is not clear whether Trump is in the same place Witkoff and Kushner are."

White House officials have also voiced frustration over Israeli military operations they believe violate the ceasefire terms. One official commented, "Sometimes we feel the IDF commanders on the ground are just trigger-happy."

In recent meetings with Middle Eastern leaders, U.S. officials emphasized the need for Israel to adhere to the ceasefire and minimize civilian casualties. Trump is also expected to address concerns over the West Bank, including the potential collapse of the Palestinian Authority, settler violence, and withheld Palestinian tax revenues.

The Trump administration's plan envisions the Palestinian Authority completing a reform program, potentially leading to its governance of Gaza. However, Israel has consistently opposed any post-war role for the PA in Gaza, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

While the White House sees significant opportunities for Israel in the region, it remains concerned about the country's international standing after two years of conflict. A White House official noted, "We need to help them normalize with the UK before we help them normalize with Saudi Arabia."

The upcoming meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is expected to address these issues and seek a path forward for the Gaza ceasefire and broader peace efforts.