Ceasefire or CHAOS? Trump–Netanyahu Summit Raises Global Stakes

Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this evening, marking their third meeting this year and the first since their joint military strikes on Iran last month.

The high-stakes summit comes amid renewed efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, following 21 months of devastating conflict in Gaza. Both leaders have expressed cautious optimism about a potential 60-day truce, though key demands remain unresolved.

Netanyahu, who arrived in Washington early Monday, told reporters before departing Tel Aviv that he believes Trump “can definitely help advance this outcome, which we all hope for.” He also praised the recent U.S.–Israeli operation against Iran as “a great victory over our common enemy.”

Trump, speaking to reporters over the weekend, said he is “very optimistic” about a ceasefire deal but acknowledged that negotiations remain fluid. “It changes from day to day,” he said, adding that he expects progress on hostage releases and humanitarian aid.

The two leaders are expected to dine at the White House following closed-door talks. Netanyahu will also meet with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, earlier in the day.

Outside the White House, peace activists from Gaza and the West Bank are staging protests, urging Congress to support a long-term resolution and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

As the world watches, the question remains: will this meeting deliver a breakthrough—or simply another round of diplomatic theater?