Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned home on Friday without a ceasefire agreement, despite weeks of high-profile meetings with US officials and predictions of a breakthrough. However, his visit did not end in complete failure. Netanyahu met with Trump at the White House, where they nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, and received suggestions from Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, that a peace deal could be reached within weeks.
Despite these assurances, no clear results emerged from the negotiations. Hamas denied any agreement on key issues, including the extent of Israeli withdrawal in Gaza and the continued operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Fund. The US administration has been pushing for a ceasefire, while Israel has maintained its stance on several demands, including the disbandment of Hamas.
Netanyahu’s relationship with Trump appears to be intact, but tensions are evident. In a recent statement, Trump expressed frustration with Netanyahu, saying he is “not happy” with the Israeli leader. This sentiment is shared by some US officials, who have criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the situation.
However, for Netanyahu, maintaining a strong relationship with Trump is crucial, given his own internal struggles, including a graft investigation at home. By showing unity with Trump, Netanyahu aims to demonstrate that he is committed to finding a peace in Gaza.
The negotiations have been marked by disagreements over key issues, but US mediators have sought to bridge the gap, promising to guarantee the ceasefire’s continuation after 60 days if negotiations continue. The outcome remains uncertain, leaving many questions about the future of the talks and the prospects for a peaceful resolution in the Gaza Strip.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/11/benjamin-netanyahu-washington-us-visit-donald-trump-israel-gaza-ceasefire