The Take Netanyahu meets Trump: could a Gaza ceasefire deal emerge?
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.
Netanyahu's Political Gamble: Ceasefire or Coalition Collapse?
Netanyahu's current political landscape in Israel makes a permanent ceasefire with Gaza almost impossible without risking his coalition. While a temporary deal may be achievable, the hard right within his own party strongly opposes a lasting peace agreement.
He faces pressure from U.S. President Trump, who is pushing urgently for a ceasefire, but Netanyahu must balance this against the risk of early elections if he loses support at home.
Netanyahu is also under the strain of criminal trials and views Trump as a key ally who might help him politically, influencing his decision-making around Gaza and Iran.
This creates a delicate situation where Netanyahu is testing whether his public will now support a ceasefire, but no clear long-term plan exists for Gaza's future, and the Israeli political class broadly supports continued military actions.
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.