President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Monday at the White House to finalize a potential ceasefire in Gaza and negotiate the political roadmap for the post-war phase. The meeting comes as the region enters a new phase of diplomacy following high-impact U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Gaza Ceasefire Framework in Focus

According to U.S. officials, the leaders will discuss a proposed 60-day truce that includes:

• The release of 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased hostages.
• A phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
• Negotiations over the “day after”—who will govern Gaza without Hamas.

Trump, encouraged by the recent Israel-Iran ceasefire, believes this week may present a unique opportunity to seal a deal in Gaza. Netanyahu, for his part, stated that the White House talks could help "get a deal across the line."

Who Will Govern Gaza?

A major sticking point remains the post-war administration of Gaza. Both Trump and Netanyahu oppose Hamas retaining any role, and Netanyahu has also ruled out the return of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Instead, Israel favors an Arab-led administration involving local Palestinians unaffiliated with either group.

However, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have rejected this, insisting on PA involvement and a clear political horizon for Palestinians. European and Arab officials argue that the day-after plan must tie into a broader two-state solution, which Netanyahu's government rejects.

Strategic Calculations and Timing

The Trump-Netanyahu meeting is seen as a rare moment of convergence in an otherwise volatile region. Trump hopes the temporary truce can pave the way for bigger breakthroughs—possibly normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and renewed nuclear talks with Iran.

Analysts warn that without a robust follow-up plan, a 60-day pause might fail to produce lasting peace. As former U.S. ambassador Daniel Shapiro noted, “If the Gaza war drags on, the moment could pass with little to show for it”.

Netanyahu still demands the disarmament and dismantling of Hamas, though Israeli officials now accept the symbolic exile of a few top commanders and possible amnesty for some fighters who surrender.

Regional Impact and Trump’s Legacy

Trump is positioning himself as a “president of peace,” leveraging military victories to build diplomatic momentum. However, he faces criticism for the lack of a detailed reconstruction and governance plan for Gaza, as well as his previous proposal to “relocate” Gazans, which was widely condemned.

Still, both leaders appear determined to present Monday’s meeting as a turning point—whether to end the Gaza war, counter Iran, or reshape the Middle East's post-war order.