Trump Hints at Surprise Gaza Move While Israeli Officials Say Netanyahu Isn’t Sold on Ceasefire-groot - US NEWS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin and US President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office in April.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are once again at the center of global attention as they prepare for a high-stakes meeting in Washington. The two leaders are scheduled to sit down in the Oval Office on Monday, where they are expected to discuss a 21-point ceasefire and postwar governance plan for Gaza — a proposal that has stirred optimism in Washington but significant hesitation in Jerusalem.

The meeting comes after Trump publicly promised that “something special” is coming for Gaza, framing the talks as potentially historic. “We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST,” Trump wrote in a characteristically bold social media post on Sunday. “ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!” The former president has hinted that this could be the moment to end the war and secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas — a breakthrough his administration has been eager to claim.

However, Netanyahu’s stance remains more cautious. Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Briefing, the Israeli leader confirmed that discussions were ongoing but stressed that the plan is “not finalized yet.” Three senior Israeli officials told reporters that Netanyahu is likely to present reservations and demand changes to the US proposal, particularly on sensitive issues such as the role of the Palestinian Authority in postwar Gaza and language hinting at a future Palestinian state — points that are politically explosive for Netanyahu’s governing coalition.

The health ministry in Gaza Sunday said the toll has passed 66,000 people.

Despite those reservations, officials acknowledged that most of the plan was drafted with Netanyahu’s input in “close detail.” Yet the road to agreement remains bumpy. Israel’s far-right ministers, including Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, have repeatedly warned that they would collapse Netanyahu’s government if he agrees to any deal that allows the PA to return to Gaza or even gestures toward Palestinian statehood. On Saturday, Ben Gvir posted on X that Netanyahu “does not have a mandate to end the war without a complete defeat of Hamas,” while Smotrich laid out a list of “non-negotiable” conditions — including permanent Israeli security control over Gaza, the expulsion of Hamas leadership, and the exclusion of Qatar from any future arrangements.

On the ground, the situation remains dire. Gaza’s health ministry reported on Sunday that the death toll has surpassed 66,000, underscoring the devastating humanitarian cost of the conflict. Meanwhile, Hamas said it has yet to receive any new ceasefire proposal but reiterated its willingness to examine “any proposals from mediator brothers in a positive and responsible manner.”

The diplomatic effort has been turbulent. Earlier this year, a previous round of negotiations collapsed after the US abruptly withdrew from the talks, followed by Israel. Both countries blamed Hamas for failing to negotiate in good faith. Since then, Egypt and Qatar have attempted to revive the process, but progress has been slow — and an Israeli strike in Doha earlier this month targeting Hamas leaders caused yet another breakdown in communication. Netanyahu has refused to apologize for the strike, saying, “Our goal was Hamas. Not anything beyond it. I think we can work out an understanding on this.”

Adding to the pressure, families of Israeli hostages held a massive rally in New York’s Central Park on Sunday, urging both leaders to act decisively. Dani Miran, father of captive Omri Miran, told the crowd, “We do not lose hope. We keep fighting to bring Omri and all the remaining hostages home.” Some families have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political survival, especially after recent Israeli assaults in Gaza City where several of the remaining 20 hostages are believed to be located.

Ilana Gritzweski, a freed hostage whose partner remains in captivity, delivered an emotional plea directed at Trump: “Netanyahu chose to bomb Matan and the other hostages. He chose death over life. President Trump, you have the power to end the war and bring all the hostages home.”

Families of Israeli hostages, survivors of captivity and supporters gather in Central Park in New York on Sunday, September 28.

For both Trump and Netanyahu, Monday’s meeting represents more than just a diplomatic engagement — it is a test of political will. For Trump, the deal could be a major foreign policy achievement as he seeks to present himself as a peacemaker ahead of the 2026 campaign season. For Netanyahu, the stakes are even higher: agreeing to the wrong terms could fracture his coalition, but rejecting a US-backed ceasefire risks alienating Israel’s most important ally and prolonging a war that has become increasingly costly both militarily and politically.

Whether the meeting will lead to a breakthrough or simply another round of stalled negotiations remains to be seen, but expectations are running high on all sides — and the world will be watching closely.