Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to the United States today for a meeting with President Donald Trump. The visit, Netanyahu’s fifth to the US this year, will focus on the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and potential action against Iran.
According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu intends to convey Israel’s reservations about transitioning to the second phase of the Gaza agreement before Hamas is fully disarmed. Sources suggest that Netanyahu will emphasize the need for complete disarmament before further steps are taken.
The discussions are expected to cover key aspects of the second phase, including the disarmament of Hamas, the establishment of a technocratic committee to manage the Gaza Strip, the deployment of an international “stabilization force,” and a partial Israeli withdrawal from the territory. These points were outlined in the original Trump plan to end the conflict.
Recent reports indicate that Stephen Witkoff, President Trump’s envoy, previously urged Israeli officials to proceed with the second phase of the Gaza agreement at the beginning of next month. However, Israeli officials are concerned that the US might pressure them to move forward without ensuring Hamas’s disarmament.
Despite a ceasefire being in effect for 77 days, tensions remain high. There have been reports of ongoing violations, including the deaths of over 400 Palestinians and injuries to more than 1100 others. Additionally, Israel has been criticized for restricting the opening of border crossings and hindering the delivery of aid stipulated in the Trump plan.
The Gaza ceasefire agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey with US backing, was reached on October 9th. The agreement comprised two phases based on a 20-point plan proposed by President Trump. While the first phase commenced shortly after, Israel has allegedly violated the terms numerous times, particularly those related to humanitarian aid and access, despite Hamas’s adherence. These violations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.
Israel has cited the unresolved issue of a missing soldier’s body as a reason for delaying the transition to the second phase. However, Palestinian factions maintain that they are actively searching for the soldier amidst the extensive destruction caused by the conflict.
