Jerusalem – Deepening unease is reportedly gripping Israeli officials ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Monday. The source of the anxiety stems from the possibility that Trump will pressure Netanyahu to open the Rafah crossing on the Gaza border in both directions.
According to reports, Israeli officials fear that Trump might demand Netanyahu, already facing scrutiny from the International Criminal Court, to fully open the Rafah crossing and withdraw Israeli forces from additional areas behind the established demarcation line. This move, they believe, could significantly alter the existing security landscape.
Conversely, Netanyahu is expected to seek Trump’s approval for intensified military actions in Lebanon, signaling a potential escalation of regional tensions. The Prime Minister departed for the United States on Sunday, with the meeting scheduled for Monday in Florida.
Netanyahu reportedly intends to convey to Trump that Israel will not proceed to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza until Hamas is disarmed and the remains of the last Israeli prisoner held in Gaza are returned. This stance highlights the key preconditions Israel has set for any further progress in the peace process.
Discussions between the two leaders are anticipated to cover the initiation of the second phase, the disarmament of Hamas, the establishment of a technocratic committee to administer the Gaza Strip, the formation of an international “stabilization force,” and a partial Israeli withdrawal from the territory. These points underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of the ongoing negotiations.
Prior to the meeting, reports indicated that Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, had informed Israeli officials of the necessity to transition to the second phase of the Gaza agreement by the beginning of next month. These reports have fueled Israeli concerns that Trump may push for the transition without ensuring the complete disarmament of Hamas.
Despite the ceasefire agreement being in effect for 80 days, violations allegedly persist, with reports indicating that over 400 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1100 injured. Furthermore, Israel has been accused of failing to fully open the crossings and allow the aid stipulated in Trump’s plan, casting a shadow over the fragile peace process. DZWatch will continue to monitor developments closely.
