Can Trump get Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza?

Benjamin Netanyahu has landed in Washington for talks with Donald Trump about the war in Gaza. These, combined with Israel-Hamas meetings taking place in Qatar, represent the best chance yet for an end to the conflict.

The Israeli Prime Minister told reporters last night he was “determined” to bring back the remaining hostages in Gaza and that his discussions with the US President would “help advance the outcome we are all hoping for.” President Trump said: “I think there’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas… during the coming week.”

Netanyahu was waved off to Washington with a rare intervention from Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, who said Bibi should be prepared to make “painful” concessions. As Haaretz explains, Netanyahu is insisting there be no Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and that the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation be allowed to continue providing aid. Yet Hamas is still calling for the withdrawal of all Israeli troops.

It does look like an impossible circle to square, and early briefings from the first round of indirect talks in Doha suggest there hasn’t yet been a breakthrough (quelle surprise), but that’s where Trump comes in. The US President is probably the only person who can get Netanyahu to soften his demands. If the next few days sees a breakthrough, you can bet Trump will take the credit.