Trump and Netanyahu Reportedly Agree on Plan to End Gaza Conflict and Expand Abraham Accords

According to a report by Israel Hayom, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed on terms to conclude the conflict in Gaza and advance shared interests. The leaders, along with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, discussed ending the Gaza conflict within two weeks. The plan includes the removal of Hamas leadership from Gaza, voluntary emigration for Gazans who choose to leave, and the release of 50 hostages remaining in Gaza. The United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and two other Arab countries would jointly govern the Gaza Strip after Hamas' removal. Additionally, the Abraham Accords would be expanded to include Syria, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab and Muslim states. The plan also involves U.S. recognition of limited Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank, while Israel would express support for a future two-state solution contingent on reforms within the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu stated, 'We fought valiantly against Iran — and achieved a great victory. This victory opens up an opportunity for a dramatic expansion of the peace agreements. We are working hard on this.' He added, 'Along with the release of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas, there is a window of opportunity here that must not be missed. Not even a single day must be wasted.' The feasibility of this plan remains uncertain. The Israeli government has been firm in its opposition to a two-state solution, and public opposition to a Palestinian state grew after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. In April, as French President Emmanuel Macron moved to recognize a Palestinian state, Netanyahu expressed strong opposition, stating that a Palestinian state near Israeli cities could become an Iranian stronghold of terrorism. Even the potential acceptance of a future Palestinian state could put Netanyahu's governing coalition at risk, with several ministers and lawmakers opposing it. U.S. lawmakers indicated that normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel had faced setbacks since October 7, with Saudi Arabia demanding concrete progress toward a two-state solution before moving forward. Egypt and Saudi Arabia condemned Israeli government moves to encourage migration from Gaza. The Arab League adopted a plan for Gaza's reconstruction proposed by Egypt, where a committee of Gazan professionals would manage the Strip until the Palestinian Authority takes over governance.