Netanyahu to meet Trump as Israel faces isolation over Gaza war | The Express Tribune

JERUSALEM:

Facing increasing isolation abroad and mounting pressure at home, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will defend his intention to “finish the job” in Gaza when he meets US President Donald Trump on Monday.

The meeting comes days after Trump unveiled a 21-point plan aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory during discussions with Arab and Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

On Sunday, Trump hinted at “something special” to come in Middle East talks, adding in a post on his Truth Social platform: “WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”

On Friday, Trump had told reporters in Washington “I think we have a deal” on Gaza, even as Netanyahu, speaking at the UN, vowed to “finish the job” in Israel’s war against Hamas.

But experts told AFP that Netanyahu appeared to be cornered, facing growing international and domestic calls to end the war.

“He has no other choice but to accept” Trump’s plan for a ceasefire, said Eytan Gilboa, an expert on US-Israel relations at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University.

“Simply because the United States and Trump have remained almost his only ally in the international community.”

‘Comprehensive agreement’

In Israel, tens of thousands of protesters have pressured Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire, and on Saturday they urged Trump to use his influence.

“The only thing that can stop the slide into the abyss is a full, comprehensive agreement that ends the war and brings all the hostages and the soldiers home,” said Lishay Miran-Lavi, wife of Omri Miran, who remains captive in Gaza.

Directly addressing Trump, she urged: “Use your influence with Prime Minister Netanyahu.”

Israel’s international isolation has deepened in recent days, with countries including the UK, France, Canada and Australia officially recognising Palestinian statehood, breaking with longstanding US-led diplomatic protocols.

Trump’s 21-point plan, according to a diplomatic source, envisions a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a major influx of humanitarian aid.