In what is shaping up to be one of the most consequential visits of his career, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will fly to Washington, D.C. on July 7 for his third meeting this year with U.S. President Donald Trump, a visit that could define the endgame for the Gaza war and cement the aftermath of Iran’s nuclear defeat.

A Victory Lap—With Strings Attached

The trip comes precisely two weeks after Israel and Iran agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire following Israel’s 12-day air blitz and the decisive U.S. strikes that shattered Iran’s nuclear ambitions—a moment of triumph for the Trump-Netanyahu partnership.

Sources close to both leaders describe the upcoming summit as part victory parade, part urgent strategy session, with Gaza, Iran, and the fate of Israeli hostages dominating the agenda.

“President Trump wants to end this war and bring the hostages home,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, adding that Trump has remained in constant communication with Israeli leadership.

Yet beneath the smiles and handshakes, a brutal reality remains: Hamas remains defiant, Israeli hostages are still in captivity under deteriorating conditions, and disagreements within Israel’s war cabinet threaten to undercut a unified path forward.

PM Netanyahu to visit White House next week, his 3rd meeting with President Trump this year.

The visit will come on the back of the Iran war, with reports swirling of possible expansion of Abraham Accords and reinvigorated efforts to reach hostage - ceasefire deal in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/eA0KZvcLqm

— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) July 1, 2025

Dermer's Mission: Turning Up the Heat on Hamas

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Netanyahu’s trusted confidant, landed in Washington days ahead of the prime minister, engaging in feverish preparatory talks with senior American officials.

An Israeli official bluntly explained the plan to The Times of Israel:

“We are pressing the Americans to press the Qataris to press Hamas.”

Qatar’s leverage over Hamas remains pivotal. As one Netanyahu aide put it:

“Qatar is the key. We’re hoping for a breakthrough. But it depends on Hamas.”

🚨 BREAKING: President Trump will be hosting Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the White House next Monday

This comes as Trump attempts to negotiate a full ceasefire in Gaza

The Peace President never stops! pic.twitter.com/DPFd8u9CNI

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 30, 2025

A War Cabinet Divided

Meanwhile, Israel’s internal decision-making has descended into tense late-night meetings, shouting matches, and no final decisions.

Despite ongoing IDF advances in Gaza, the question of whether to seize complete control of the Strip or pause for a hostage deal has split the cabinet and the military brass.

“Occupying Gaza could endanger the hostages,” a senior Israeli official warned Ynet News.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir was even more direct during closed-door deliberations:

“There is a clash between rescuing the hostages and continuing the ground maneuver. We may be endangering them.”

“Their situation is dire. Abuse is intensifying,” Zamir added, underscoring the deteriorating conditions for Israeli captives held by Hamas.

Hamas Stalls, Talks Stutter

On the Hamas side, the terror organization continues to defy meaningful compromise, refusing disarmament or the exile of senior leaders even as Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. exert heavy pressure.

However, under this pressure, Hamas has resumed back-channel discussions on the “Witkoff Plan,” a temporary ceasefire proposal for 60 days that would see humanitarian aid flooding into Gaza while negotiations continue.

Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nounou admitted contacts with mediators are ongoing, but no face-to-face meetings have been scheduled.

What’s at Stake in Washington

The Netanyahu-Trump meeting is more than a diplomatic visit; it is a crucible for determining Israel’s military and diplomatic trajectory:

✅ Ending the Gaza war without sacrificing Israel’s security.
✅ Securing the safe return of Israeli hostages.
✅ Locking in the gains from the U.S.-Israel takedown of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
✅ Setting the stage for a possible grand Middle East realignment under the Trump Doctrine.

President Trump will be hosting @netanyahu at the White House next Monday, July 7th!

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) June 30, 2025

While Netanyahu and Trump may take a victory lap, the reality on the ground remains volatile, with Israel’s soldiers advancing block by block in Gaza, hostages facing torture and deprivation, and Hamas holding out for concessions.

Whether this visit delivers a breakthrough or becomes another photo-op will depend on what Netanyahu and Trump can extract from each other—and from Hamas’s Qatari sponsors—behind the closed doors of the Oval Office.