On Monday, July 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where the two discussed key Middle East issues, including efforts to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and upcoming talks with Iran. During the meeting, Netanyahu said that both countries were working with other nations willing to help offer Gazans a better future, including possible relocation to neighboring countries. He stressed that relocation would be voluntary.

President Trump echoed support, noting cooperation from countries surrounding Israel. Earlier this year, Trump had proposed a plan for relocating Palestinians and taking control of Gaza, which faced heavy criticism from Gazans committed to staying in their homeland. The meeting coincided with indirect Israel-Hamas negotiations over a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage-release deal. Netanyahu said his talks with Trump aimed to bolster ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar. Trump expressed optimism that a deal might be reached soon. This was their third meeting since Trump returned to office in January, following U.S. support for Israeli strikes and a subsequent ceasefire in a brief war with Iran.

Trump also announced that discussions with Iran had been scheduled and hinted at the possibility of lifting sanctions in the future. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, who helped shape a key 60-day ceasefire plan, will travel to Qatar to participate in the talks. Progress in negotiations remains slow, with the main sticking point being Israel’s tight restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza. Hamas demands a permanent end to the war before releasing hostages, while Israel insists on the full release and Hamas’ dismantling first.

During their meeting, Netanyahu handed Trump a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, which Trump received with appreciation. Netanyahu is also set to meet U.S. lawmakers during his visit. Israel hopes that the resolution of its conflict with Iran will open pathways for normalized relations with countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.

Negotiations in Qatar continued into their second day, with further talks expected in the evening. The proposed agreement would include a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals, and broader discussions on ending the conflict. However, a previous ceasefire broke down in March, and since then, Israeli military operations and humanitarian conditions in Gaza have worsened.

The Gaza war began in October 2023 when Hamas launched a deadly attack in southern Israel, killing about 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s response has left over 57,000 Palestinians dead and displaced most of Gaza’s population. With severe food shortages and looming famine, the region watches closely for any sign of a breakthrough.