A missile fired by Houthi rebels targets central Israel as airstrikes hit displaced area in Gaza
Associated PressJan 15
Gaza Death Toll Revised to 62K as Netanyahu Expected to Meet with Trump
story
Above: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes statements at Ben Gurion Airport ahead of his visit to Washington DC, where he will meet with US Pres. Donald Trump in Tel Aviv, Israel on Feb. 2, 2025. Image copyright: Avi Ohayon/Contributor/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to the US on Sunday to meet with US Pres. Donald Trump, among other US officials. Trump and Netanyahu's meeting is set for Tuesday in which they will reportedly discuss the cease-fire in Gaza as well as Iran.
Netanyahu will stay in the US until the weekend. On Monday, the premier is expected to meet with evangelical leaders and then Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who helped broker the cease-fire agreement in Gaza.
Netanyahu, who has repeatedly said he wants to return to fighting in Gaza, stated that he will focus on the goals set by Israel, including achieving total victory over Hamas, the release of all captives held in Gaza, and "dealing with" Iran's "axis of resistance."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Though Hamas, in many cases, was the main obstacle to achieving an end to this terrible war, the US worked hard to end this conflict. With a deal agreed upon, the hostages will return home and Israel will be more secure. Though Israel has had to make hard decisions, it will be worth it when peace is finally achieved.
Pro-Israel narrative
Though Israel wants nothing more than to see all the hostages released, this deal may not be in the country's best interest given the fact that Hamas is still in power. Moreover, Palestinian prisoners released by Israel have played critical roles in terrorist plots against the country. Indeed, Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' slain leader, was a security prisoner released in an exchange deal. Israel may pay for this deal in blood many years down the road.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Yet again, Netanyahu wants to sabotage the cease-fire in Gaza so that he can salvage his political career and placate his genocidal allies. Netanyahu will do anything and everything to convince Trump to allow him to resume the carnage, but regional dynamics, namely the desire for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, may push Trump toward reeling Netanyahu's ambitions in.
