Netanyahu’s third White House visit to focus on Hamas talks, hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, July 7, to discuss a potential U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas. The meeting marks Netanyahu’s third visit to Washington since Trump returned to office and comes as Israeli officials continue indirect negotiations with Hamas in Doha, Qatar.
Netanyahu said he plans to thank Trump for last month’s U.S. airstrikes on Iran and hopes the meeting will push forward talks on Gaza and regional stability. Some Israeli officials see recent military actions as a chance to pursue diplomacy with Syria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
What does the proposed Gaza ceasefire include?
The current U.S.-backed proposal outlines a 60-day ceasefire, a phased release of hostages and partial Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza.
Hamas has responded positively but continues to demand a permanent end to the war, which Israel has rejected. Israel insists all hostages must be freed and Hamas dismantled before considering a complete ceasefire.
Negotiators from Israel, the U.S., Egypt and Qatar continue to work to bridge gaps. An Israeli delegation — including Gal Hirsch, the government’s envoy for hostage affairs, and senior officials from Shin Bet and Mossad — is participating in technical talks in Doha.
What’s the broader context of the conflict?
The Gaza war began in October 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in southern Israel.
Since then, Israeli military operations have killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Roughly 50 hostages remain in captivity. Israeli authorities say 20 of those hostages are still alive.
Israel’s 12-day war with Iran in June, as well as previous operations in Lebanon and Syria, shifted regional alliances and military posture. However, increasing civilian casualties and growing criticism from foreign governments are putting more pressure on Netanyahu to end the conflict.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
