President Donald Trump, from back row left, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, meet with Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, front row from second left, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu’s wife Sara Netanyahu, Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Israel’s National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi and Israel’s Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs in the Blue Room of the White House, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump Fails To Secure Gaza Ceasefire During Netanyahu Visit

President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas fell short this week, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed Washington without reaching an agreement. Despite Trump’s ambitions to position himself as a global peacemaker, the highly anticipated meeting ended without a breakthrough.

The White House visit earned Trump another nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, but analysts say the lack of a concrete ceasefire deal may hurt his credibility as a dealmaker. “He prides himself on making deals,” said Rachel Brandenburg of the Israel Policy Forum. “This is another test case.”

No Breakthrough Despite Bold Goals

Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ceasefire efforts as “closer than we’ve been in quite a while,” but acknowledged ongoing obstacles. Trump has devoted significant time to the talks, aiming not only to end the war but also to revive the Abraham Accords and normalize relations between Israel and neighboring countries like Syria.

Even if a temporary truce is reached, Netanyahu insists that the war will continue until Hamas is eliminated. Hamas, on the other hand, conditions any hostage release on Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza—a non-starter for the Israeli side.

Trump and Netanyahu Rebuild Ties

Trump and Netanyahu presented a united front, especially after their joint airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites in June. Trump’s decision to intervene militarily and to call for an end to Netanyahu’s domestic corruption trial marked a significant warming of relations.

During the visit, Netanyahu praised Trump publicly, calling him a transformative leader and even nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize. However, insiders caution that Netanyahu’s praise may not be enough to sway Trump if progress stalls.

Domestic Pressures Limit Netanyahu’s Options

Netanyahu faces immense political pressure both at home and abroad. While the U.S. supports a ceasefire, far-right members of his coalition threaten to abandon the government if Hamas is not fully defeated. Ending the war prematurely could trigger new elections and leave Netanyahu exposed to corruption charges.

On Thursday, Netanyahu offered a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half the hostages still in Gaza. However, he emphasized that a lasting truce would require Hamas to disarm—an unlikely scenario given the current occupation of parts of Gaza.

“If disarmament can be achieved through negotiations, so much the better,” Netanyahu said. “If not, we will use force.”

As Trump continues to seek diplomatic victories, his ability to influence events in Gaza will serve as a major test of his foreign policy leadership.

For author: Staff News
Courtesy of: Forbes
Source: AP News