Trump vows 'something special' in ME; Israeli delegation in chaos
3 Min Read
Trump is pressing for a diplomatic framework with international backing, while Netanyahu insists on military victory at any cost.
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People carry caricature heads of US President Donald Trump, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they march down 54th Street during a pro-Palestine demonstration, Friday, Sept 26, 2025, in New York (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday for their fourth encounter since Trump returned to power in January, more than with any other world leader. The meeting comes as the two prepare for potentially fraught talks over Gaza, with Trump pushing a 21-point Gaza plan and Netanyahu determined to pursue the total defeat of Hamas.
During UN meetings in New York, Trump unveiled his 21-point Gaza peace plan to Arab and Islamic leaders, a blueprint that seeks to end nearly two years of "Israel's" genocidal war on Gaza.
The proposal envisions a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all remaining captives held by Hamas, and the deployment of an international stabilization force to ensure security in the territory. Oversight would fall to an international supervisory body, while a Palestinian committee would administer Gaza during a transitional period.
Trump promoted the plan with optimism, writing on Truth Social that there is "a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST" and claiming that "all are on board for something special" that could be achieved for the first time.
The initiative has found support in several Arab capitals, where leaders see it as a potential pathway to stop the war and open the door to reconstruction.
Netanyahu's stance: No end until Hamas is defeated
Netanyahu has firmly rejected compromise, refusing to endorse Trump's Gaza plan. At the UN, he doubled down, vowing to "finish the job" against Hamas, ruling out the creation of a Palestinian state or granting the Palestinian Authority any role in Gaza governance.
Israeli officials underscore that the release of the 48 captives, about 20 believed to be alive, and the disarmament of Hamas remain non-negotiable conditions. One official stressed that "nothing will happen without [Israel’s] consent." Another went further, speaking of "alarm" and "chaos" within the Israeli delegation in Washington and warning that Arab governments had persuaded Trump to support a plan running counter to "Israel’s" position.
Political pressure from the far-right
The divide extends beyond Washington. Inside "Israel", Netanyahu faces pressure from his extremist allies to pursue total victory over Hamas. Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned in a post on X that Netanyahu has "no mandate to end the war without a complete defeat of Hamas."
Security Minister Israel Katz echoed this hard line, saying operations in Gaza City would intensify and warning that if Hamas does not capitulate, the city would be destroyed and the group "annihilated".
These voices leave Netanyahu little political space to accept Trump's framework.
Stalled negotiations after Doha strike
Efforts to reach a ceasefire-for-captives deal collapsed earlier this month after an Israeli strike in Doha targeted Hamas leaders. Since then, Hamas has said no new proposals have been received from international mediators, deepening the stalemate.
Trump envisions a ceasefire, captives released, and international oversight to stabilise Gaza. Netanyahu demands Hamas’ total defeat before even considering a truce.
