Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday to discuss recent developments in the Middle East, including what he described as “the great success we had in Iran,” the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Trump, speaking to reporters over the weekend, expressed optimism that a ceasefire in Gaza could be achieved “sometime next week,” and emphasized that one of his top priorities in the meeting will be to push forward efforts to bring American and Israeli hostages back home.
Revisiting Iran Policy
During his brief remarks, Trump did not elaborate on what specific “success” he was referring to regarding Iran. However, it is widely interpreted as a reference to his administration’s 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and the implementation of a “maximum pressure” sanctions campaign that significantly impacted Iran’s economy.
“We had great success with Iran. Everyone knows it,” Trump said. “And I’ll be talking to Bibi [Netanyahu] about what’s next and what the future of the region should look like.”
The Trump administration took a hardline stance on Iran throughout his presidency, designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, assassinating top commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020, and aligning closely with Israel’s concerns over Iran’s regional influence.
With Iran now more deeply entangled in the ongoing Gaza conflict through its support of Hamas and other proxy groups the discussion between Trump and Netanyahu is expected to touch on new strategic considerations.
Gaza and the Push for a Ceasefire
Turning to Gaza, Trump stated that he is “looking for [a ceasefire] to happen sometime next week,” although he acknowledged that the situation remains fluid and complicated. The Israeli military has continued operations in the Gaza Strip, citing the ongoing threat from Hamas and other militant factions, while international calls for de-escalation have intensified.
Trump indicated that his discussion with Netanyahu will focus in part on strategies to end hostilities while ensuring Israeli security. “Nobody wants to see more suffering, but we also need to be strong. Israel has a right to defend itself,” he said.
In past comments, Trump has criticized the Biden administration’s approach to the conflict, arguing that a stronger posture toward Iran and clearer support for Israel would have prevented escalation.
Hostage Situation: A Shared Priority
One of the most urgent topics expected during the Trump-Netanyahu meeting is the ongoing hostage crisis. Dozens of individuals, including several American citizens, are believed to be held by Hamas and other armed groups following the October 7th attacks.
“We want to get our hostages back,” Trump said emphatically. “That’s a top priority for me, and I know it’s a top priority for Israel.”
Efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to broker a prisoner exchange or humanitarian ceasefire have so far failed to yield significant results, though negotiations are reportedly continuing behind the scenes. Trump is expected to use the meeting to encourage more aggressive diplomatic or covert action to secure their release.
A Symbolic and Strategic Meeting
While Trump currently holds no formal government role, the upcoming meeting with Netanyahu is likely to carry symbolic weight. The two leaders have maintained a close personal and political relationship, rooted in shared views on Iran, regional security, and nationalist governance.
Observers view the meeting as a sign of Netanyahu hedging his international relationships amid strains with the Biden administration and a shifting geopolitical landscape. Trump’s remarks also suggest that he sees Middle East policy—particularly his record on Israel and Iran—as a core theme of his 2024 campaign platform.
As former President Donald Trump prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, discussions will center on the increasingly complex crises in Iran and Gaza, with a particular focus on hostage recovery and the potential for a ceasefire. Whether the meeting results in actionable diplomatic progress remains to be seen, but its symbolism—and the rhetoric surrounding it—will undoubtedly influence ongoing debates in Washington, Jerusalem, and beyond.