In a significant show of diplomatic engagement, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a joint meeting at the White House on Monday, where the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza took center stage. Trump, speaking alongside Netanyahu in the Oval Office, expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for peace, saying that the war in Gaza could end in the “not-too-distant future.”
“I’d like to see the war stop, and I think the war will stop at some point, that won’t be in the too-distant future,” Trump stated, responding to a question about his election campaign promise to help bring the conflict to a close.
While he acknowledged that efforts were being made to secure the release of hostages currently held by Hamas, he also admitted that the task is far from over. “It’s a long process,” he noted, signaling the complexity and delicacy of negotiations behind the scenes.
Prime Minister Netanyahu praises President Trump for securing the deal to release hostages in Gaza:
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 4, 2025
“President Trump added great force and powerful leadership to this effort … I’m happy that they’re here.” pic.twitter.com/y7Gq45kYwq
This conversation marks an important moment in the broader discussion about peace in the Middle East, with both leaders showing signs of renewed diplomatic urgency.
Hope for Peace Amid Ongoing Tensions
Trump’s comments carry weight as the former president prepares for a possible return to office amid rising global instability. His statement about peace not being far off comes at a time when international bodies, humanitarian groups, and regional powers are amplifying calls for a ceasefire, citing worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Although Trump did not lay out a specific roadmap, his optimism was echoed in the atmosphere of the meeting, which focused not only on the conflict but also on bilateral relations between the United States and Israel.
The comment is also being seen in political circles as part of Trump’s broader reelection messaging positioning himself as a dealmaker who could restore stability in a deeply fractured region.
Netanyahu’s Hostage Deal and Tariff Ambitions
For his part, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to shift the focus to economic and humanitarian concerns. While underscoring the necessity of ending the war, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to bringing back the hostages, many of whom have been held since the escalation of violence began in Gaza.
“We are doing everything we can to bring our people home,” Netanyahu stated. “It is painful and complex, but it remains our national mission.”
Alongside the security discussion, Netanyahu introduced a surprising economic development — Israel’s commitment to eliminate its trade deficit with the United States and rapidly lower trade barriers. This move comes as a response to the 17% tariffs imposed on Israeli goods as part of Trump’s newly announced global tariff strategy.
“We’re going to eliminate the tariffs and rapidly,” Netanyahu said. “These trade barriers were put up unnecessarily, and we are confident in removing them swiftly.”
According to the United States Trade Representative, the U.S. goods trade deficit with Israel stood at $7.4 billion in 2024, an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year. Netanyahu expressed hopes that Israel could become a model for other nations in resolving trade imbalances with the U.S.
Trump’s Tariff Diplomacy: ‘Maybe or Maybe Not’
When pressed about whether he would reconsider the tariff levels imposed on Israel, Trump offered a cryptic yet familiar response:
“Maybe or maybe not,” he said, adding, “We help out Jerusalem a lot.”
This remark highlights the transactional tone Trump often brings to foreign policy, emphasizing reciprocity over tradition. While not directly committing to a revision of tariffs, his comments leave the door open for negotiation potentially leveraging a future deal on both economic and security fronts.
Geopolitical Stakes and Public Sentiment
The Oval Office meeting comes at a time when both leaders face growing pressure Trump from voters seeking peace-focused foreign policy in the 2024 U.S. election, and Netanyahu from Israeli citizens concerned about national security, hostages, and economic uncertainty amid international criticism.
For Trump, any progress in Middle East diplomacy can serve as a political asset, showcasing leadership and experience on the global stage. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s diplomatic visit underscores his intent to maintain a strong relationship with Washington, even amid political turbulence back home and growing global scrutiny over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Bigger Picture: Can Peace Be Achieved?
While optimism was the theme of the meeting, peace in the Middle East remains elusive. The recent escalation between Israel and Hamas has resulted in thousands of casualties and significant displacement of civilians in Gaza, drawing sharp rebukes from international agencies and increasing calls for a ceasefire.
Trump’s vision of peace rooted in the Abraham Accords initiated during his presidency may provide a foundation, but the dynamics on the ground have changed drastically since those agreements. Hostilities have deepened, regional alliances have shifted, and global polarization has intensified.
Still, Netanyahu’s openness to a new hostage deal and Trump’s declaration that the war could end “not too far off” might represent the start of a new phase in international diplomacy.
Conclusion: Peace, Politics, and Partnership
The Trump-Netanyahu meeting on Monday was more than a symbolic handshake between allies it was a pointed discussion on how to navigate one of the world’s most volatile conflicts while balancing economic and political pressures at home.
Trump’s statement about peace being within reach may not come with immediate policy moves, but it injects a degree of cautious hope into the broader conversation about Gaza. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s push to rework trade relations and his renewed focus on hostage negotiations show a leader looking to strengthen international ties and deliver results for his people.
As the world watches closely, both leaders have positioned themselves as key voices in shaping what the next chapter in the Israel-Gaza conflict — and U.S.-Israel relations could look like.
