The Take Netanyahu meets Trump: could a Gaza ceasefire deal emerge?
Jul 8, 2025
Daniel Levy, President of the US/Middle East Project and former Israeli negotiator, offers insights on Netanyahu's visit to Washington. He discusses the delicate balance of power impacting ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. The conversation touches on the pressures Netanyahu faces from his hard-right coalition and his ongoing legal issues. Levy also explores Trump's unpredictable role in these discussions and the challenges of achieving a lasting peace amid shifting U.S. public opinion on Israel and Palestine.
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Netanyahu's Political Shift on Gaza
- Netanyahu has deprioritized the return of Israeli captives to avoid a permanent ceasefire.
- His political landscape now may allow testing if a ceasefire could gain public support for him.
Coalition Limits Permanent Ceasefire
- Netanyahu cannot make a permanent ceasefire deal with his current coalition.
- Doing so may require new elections or coalition changes which he currently resists.
Trump's Role in Netanyahu's Trial
- Netanyahu views Trump's public interventions against his trial as a crucial lifeline.
- He aims to have charges dropped to keep political options open while in office.