Trump says Netanyahu backs Gaza peace deal

Details of the proposed peace plan
Trump spoke with Netanyahu during a joint press conference and said they were "beyond very close" to getting an agreement and urged Hamas to agree to the proposal. A 20-point plan was released by the White House, including a ceasefire, a swap of Hamas-held hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, an orderly withdrawal of Israeli troops, disarm Hamas, and establish a transitional government managed by an international body.

Trump thanked Netanyahu, saying, "If we work together, we can put an end to the death and destruction we have seen for so many years and create a new chapter of security, peace, and prosperity for the entire region."

This was not Netanyahu's first visit to the White House since Trump returned to office in January; it was his fourth. This meeting came just days after several Western leaders recognized Palestinian statehood, a move that Trump criticized as rewarding Hamas during the meetings. While there were hesitations in Israel about some of the aspects of the proposal, Netanyahu agreed to support it.

Continuing Conflict in Gaza
The push for peace was happening during an elevated conflict in Gaza. Israeli tanks went into Gaza City further as part of the largest assaults in the war. Netanyahu reaffirmed the goal of Israel dismantling Hamas completely while Gaza was facing violence, mass devastation, and escalating humanitarian events.

During the week prior, Trump presented the proposal to Arab countries and Muslim countries during the meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. Trump's focused goal was to get the remaining gaps closed with Israel while also pursuing regional commitment.

Netanyahu's visit to the White House was in stark contrast to his appearance just days earlier at the U.N. General Assembly, when many delegations walked out. Previous attempts led by the U.S. to create a ceasefire have struggled largely due to divisions from Israel and Hamas and caused concerns about the potential for implementation of the proposed peace plans.