**Trump and Netanyahu to Meet Amid Calls for Gaza Ceasefire** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. This meeting comes shortly after Netanyahu's speech at the United Nations, where he rejected calls to end the ongoing war in Gaza. The timing of the meeting is critical, as Israel faces increasing isolation and dwindling support from traditional allies. Domestically, Netanyahu's coalition government appears more vulnerable than ever, and the White House has shown signs of impatience regarding the conflict. The key question is whether Trump, who has consistently supported Netanyahu during the war, will shift his stance and pressure Israel to de-escalate the situation. In a social media post on Sunday, Trump expressed optimism about the Middle East, stating, "We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!" Experts view the upcoming meeting as one of the most significant in the long-standing relationship between the two leaders. Eytan Gilboa, a professor specializing in U.S.-Israeli relations, noted that Netanyahu may have to choose between aligning with Trump or his coalition members, some of whom favor continuing the war. Ending the conflict could jeopardize Netanyahu's political standing ahead of elections next year. Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, suggested that Trump is likely to demand a permanent ceasefire, leaving Netanyahu with limited options. Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his intention to continue military operations until Hamas is dismantled. If pressured by Trump, Netanyahu may seek to establish conditions, or "red lines," in any potential agreement, such as ensuring Hamas is dismantled and allowing Israeli military operations in Gaza if hostilities resume. The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has faced strains recently. Trump expressed frustration over Israel's unsuccessful attempt to target Hamas officials in Qatar, a U.S. ally involved in negotiations to end the conflict. Additionally, Trump has indicated opposition to Israel's potential annexation of the West Bank, a move supported by some of Netanyahu's hardline coalition partners. Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, argued that Trump's comments regarding the West Bank should not be interpreted as a sign of discord. Instead, he suggested that these remarks could help Netanyahu resist pressure from right-wing factions within his government. On Friday, Trump raised expectations for the meeting, stating that the U.S. was "very close to a deal on Gaza." However, similar claims in the past have not resulted in tangible outcomes, leaving uncertainty about the current situation. Trump's proposal to halt the war includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages within 48 hours, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. According to anonymous Arab officials briefed on the plan, Hamas is believed to be holding 48 hostages, with 20 thought to be alive. The militant group has demanded that Israel agree to end the war and withdraw from Gaza as part of any permanent ceasefire. The proposal does not call for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, a notion Trump had previously suggested. Instead, it outlines a 21-point plan that includes ending Hamas's rule in Gaza and disarming the group. The plan also proposes the establishment of an international security force to oversee law enforcement in post-war Gaza, with a Palestinian committee managing civilian affairs until power is transferred to a reformed Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu has rejected any role for the Palestinian Authority in post-war Gaza. A Hamas official indicated that the group has been briefed on the proposal but has not received an official offer from mediators. Hamas has consistently refused to disarm, linking its weapons to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. In an interview, Netanyahu acknowledged the U.S. plan, stating that Israeli officials were collaborating with Trump's team and expressing hope for its success. Despite U.S. support, Israel has lost significant international goodwill. At a recent U.N. Security Council session, many nations condemned the 2023 Hamas attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ongoing Israeli offensive has reportedly resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The conflict has displaced 90% of Gaza's population, with many facing starvation. In recent weeks, 28 Western-aligned countries that previously supported Israel have urged an end to the offensive. Ten countries, including Britain, France, Canada, and Australia, have recognized Palestinian statehood, aiming to revive the stalled peace process. Several Arab nations have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a claim that Israel denies. The U.N.'s highest court is currently reviewing genocide allegations raised by South Africa. Aaron David Miller, a former adviser on Middle East issues, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a resolution, stating, "The more crowing that is done about how we’re in the final stages, the more skeptical I become."