US President Donald Trump said Monday he is “very confident” of reaching an agreement on Gaza during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss the US plan to end the war in the devastated Gaza Strip.

When asked if peace in Gaza would be achieved, Trump said, “I am very confident.” He also expressed confidence that his 21-point plan has the approval of all parties involved.

The meeting was notable for the absence of the usual protocol ceremonies upon Netanyahu’s arrival at the White House.

Earlier, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social: “We have a real chance to achieve something great in the Middle East,” adding, “Everyone is ready for something remarkable, it’s unprecedented. We will make it happen.”

This is Netanyahu’s fourth visit to the White House since Trump’s return to power in January.

A joint press conference is scheduled for 17:15 GMT.

Trump may turn against Netanyahu

White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said that Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) are “very close” to agreeing on a framework to end the war in Gaza and ensure lasting peace in the Middle East.

She noted that Trump will discuss the 21-point peace plan with Netanyahu and will also speak with Qatari leaders who have acted as mediators with Hamas.

Leavitt added, “To reach a reasonable agreement, each side must give a little, and it is expected that one side may leave the table somewhat dissatisfied, but this is ultimately how the conflict will end.”

The Axios website revealed that Washington and Tel Aviv are slowly progressing toward an agreement on Trump’s plan, with hopes that Trump will announce the Gaza deal after meeting Netanyahu.

Channel 12 in Israel cited the White House saying that an understanding with Netanyahu on Trump’s plan is imminent.

Axios also reported that Trump might turn against Netanyahu if the latter rejects the plan, noting unprecedented declines in support for Israel within the White House.

Advisers stated that the Gaza peace process is a test of the president’s credibility and that everything Trump wants to achieve in the Middle East will be undermined if Netanyahu does not end the war.

They explained that patience is running out for Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Netanyahu, with some advisers believing Netanyahu exploits the situation and destabilizes it for his political survival.

Axios quoted a White House official saying Netanyahu’s concern over his trial explains his aggressive behavior and that he should stop interfering in US internal politics.

US and Israeli officials confirmed Netanyahu must choose between Trump’s desire to end the war and his far-right partners.

Three points of contention remain

ABC News quoted two sources saying differences remain between Israel and the US over Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war, with at least three points still unresolved.

Earlier, Axios reported that Washington and Tel Aviv are close to an agreement after talks between special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Netanyahu.

The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,219 deaths according to official Israeli figures, and 251 hostages were taken to Gaza, with 47 still held, including 25 reported killed by the Israeli army.

The ongoing Israeli war on Gaza has killed 66,005 people, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health authorities.