Khaberni - On Monday evening, a meeting at the White House between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began, marking the fourth meeting since the start of this year.
Trump said upon receiving Netanyahu that he is "very confident" in reaching an agreement regarding Gaza.
Netanyahu arrived at the White House where he was received by Trump, and a press conference is scheduled at the conclusion of the meeting.
White House Spokesperson Caroline Levitt said earlier on Monday that Israel and Hamas "are very close" to agreeing on a framework deal to end the war in Gaza and ensure lasting peace in the Middle East, adding "it is hoped that both parties will approve it."
Levitt, speaking on Fox News’s program (Fox and Friends), mentioned that Trump would discuss a 21-point peace plan with Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. She noted that Trump had spoken to the Emir of Qatar, who had been mediating with Hamas.
She said "to reach a reasonable agreement for both sides, each party must give up a little, and perhaps leave the table somewhat dissatisfied, but ultimately this is the way we will end this conflict."
Officials in the White House told Axios that the United States and Israel are gradually nearing an agreement on President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, which he hopes to announce after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
Axios revealed that the significance of the meeting is that Netanyahu faces a binary choice; either to accept Trump’s plan or risk a "public rift" with a president who for the first time since returning to office appears ready to disagree with him regarding Gaza.
American and Israeli officials confirm "We might witness a joint announcement from Trump and Netanyahu on Monday, although Hamas will still need to approve the deal."
A Trump advisor planning the meeting said, "If Netanyahu does not accept the deal, he will be blamed for continuing the war, and people in Gaza continuing to starve. Let’s hope we get there."
The site clarified, "Trump has never publicly blamed Netanyahu for prolonging the war with Hamas or failing to reach an agreement to release the remaining detainees". However, if Netanyahu says "no" this time, some of Trump’s aides believe he "might turn" against the Prime Minister.
