Trump and Netanyahu Face Mounting Pressure in High-Stakes Gaza and Hostage Talks

Emily Feng from NPR provides insights from Tel Aviv on the meeting between Trump and Netanyahu, the U.S. proposal for Gaza, and the ongoing challenges related to hostages and governance.

ANDREW LIMBONG, HOST:

Tomorrow, President Trump is set to meet with Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Their discussions are expected to focus on Gaza, where Israel has initiated a new ground offensive this month. A U.N. commission recently accused Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders of genocide against Palestinians. Meanwhile, the U.S. is preparing to present a plan to Israel, Palestinian leaders, and Arab nations aimed at ending the conflict and rebuilding Gaza. NPR’s Emily Feng is in Tel Aviv to shed light on the situation. Hi, Emily.

EMILY FENG, REPORTER: Hi there.

LIMBONG: What details do we have about the U.S. plan?

FENG: According to a source familiar with the proposal, though not authorized to speak publicly, the plan aims to cease hostilities, return all hostages to Israel within 48 hours, and initially have Gaza’s reconstruction overseen by an international coalition. Tony Blair, the former British Prime Minister, has been suggested as a temporary leader for this international effort. His institute confirmed his involvement in developing a transitional governance plan for Gaza.

Trump has already discussed this proposal with several Arab leaders during the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week. The U.S. is urging Israel to set a definitive end date for its military actions in Gaza, a timeline Netanyahu has not publicly committed to. U.S. Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned that a breakthrough might be imminent. However, Hamas negotiators have yet to receive any formal proposal. The pressing question is whether there is sufficient pressure on the U.S., Hamas, and Israel to resolve the deep-seated disagreements that have derailed past ceasefire efforts.

LIMBONG: You mentioned fundamental disagreements. Can you elaborate?

FENG: Certainly. Earlier this month, Israel conducted airstrikes on Qatar, targeting Hamas negotiators, which has further eroded trust among the parties. Additionally, right-wing Israeli politicians, crucial to Netanyahu’s coalition, have been advocating for the relocation of Gaza’s 2 million Palestinians to another country and the annexation of the West Bank.

The U.S. plan supports Palestinians remaining in Gaza, but Trump’s statements have been inconsistent, at times suggesting developments like a resort in Gaza. Another contentious issue is Palestinian sovereignty. The U.S. plan, along with a U.N.-endorsed proposal, suggests that the Palestinian Authority, which currently governs parts of the West Bank, should eventually govern Gaza. However, Netanyahu has publicly rejected the PA, citing corruption and lack of elections. During a recent U.N. speech, Netanyahu’s remarks prompted a walkout by several diplomats, highlighting the international pressure on Israel to change its course. Domestically, the continuation of the conflict is increasingly unpopular.

LIMBONG: Why is there growing opposition within Israel?

FENG: The public is weary of ongoing conflict. Next week marks two years since the October 7 events, and there is significant concern for the hostages’ safety amid the war. At a large rally for the hostages, Doron Steinberger, a former hostage, expressed frustration with the Israeli government’s actions, urging President Trump to prioritize the hostages in his discussions with Netanyahu.

Recent surveys indicate that over half of Israelis favor ending the conflict to secure the hostages’ release.

LIMBONG: That was NPR’s Emily Feng reporting from Tel Aviv. Thank you, Emily.

FENG: Thank you, Andrew.

Copyright © 2025 NPR. All rights reserved. For more information, visit our terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org.

Note: NPR transcripts may be updated for accuracy and availability. The audio record remains the authoritative source.