Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Iran Talks and Gaza Relocation at White House Meeting

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, where they discussed several key issues, including scheduled talks with Iran, a potential Gaza ceasefire, and a controversial plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.

Netanyahu revealed that the U.S. and Israel are working with other countries to provide Palestinians with a “better future,” suggesting that Gaza residents could move to neighboring nations. “If people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave,” Netanyahu said.

Trump, who earlier this year proposed turning Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” mentioned that surrounding countries have been cooperative. “We’ve had great cooperation from … surrounding countries, great cooperation from every single one of them. So something good will happen,” Trump said.

The meeting came as Israeli officials continued indirect negotiations with Hamas in Qatar, aimed at securing a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire and a hostage-release deal. Trump expressed optimism about the talks, saying, “We have scheduled Iran talks, and they … want to talk. They took a big drubbing.”

Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, indicated that the Iran talks could take place within the next week. Trump also mentioned his desire to lift sanctions on Iran “at the right time.”

Netanyahu, who met earlier with Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, plans to visit the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday to meet with congressional leaders. During their meeting, Netanyahu gave Trump a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, which Trump appeared pleased to receive.

Outside the White House, hundreds of protesters gathered, calling for Netanyahu’s arrest over alleged war crimes in Gaza and demanding an end to U.S. military support for Israel.

Gaza Ceasefire Proposal:
The U.S.-backed proposal envisions a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza, and discussions on ending the war entirely. However, Hamas insists on a final end to the war before releasing hostages, while Israel refuses to halt fighting until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza:
The Gaza war, which began after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Nearly half a million people in Gaza are facing famine, and most of the population has been displaced.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House to discuss Iran talks, a potential Gaza ceasefire, and a controversial plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. Netanyahu revealed that the U.S. and Israel are working with other countries to provide Palestinians with a “better future.” Trump expressed optimism about the Iran talks and mentioned his desire to lift sanctions on Iran. Outside the White House, protesters called for Netanyahu’s arrest and an end to U.S. military support for Israel.