During a high-profile dinner at the White House on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, presented United States President, Donald Trump, with a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize — a gesture highlighting Trump’s ongoing effort to broker a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The dinner, held in the Blue Room, came as negotiations continued toward a potential end to the 21-month war in Gaza.
A breakthrough in the ceasefire process would serve both as a major diplomatic win and potentially bolster Trump’s long-standing aspiration to be recognized by the Nobel Committee.
“He’s forging peace, as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other,” Netanyahu said during the meeting. “So, I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee.” Trump, visibly moved, responded, “Thank you very much. This I didn’t know. Wow. Coming from you, in particular, this is very meaningful. Thank you very much, Bibi.”
Trump emphasized his intent to end the war. “I’m stopping wars. I’m stopping wars. And I hate to see people killed,” he said as the dinner began.
Despite his public support for Netanyahu — including calls to halt the Israeli leader’s corruption trial and alignment with Israel against Iran — Trump is also pressing him to accept a ceasefire. The sticking point remains whether the proposed truce would mark a definitive end to the war.
“We had a great time, would say it was a lot of work, but we had a great result recently,” Trump said, alluding to recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. “And we’re going to have a lot of great results.”
According to Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., pressure from Trump could prove decisive. “The president could put pressure on the prime minister, but can also give enticements,” he said. “One of them would be keeping a military option on the table vis-a-vis Iran… a very difficult decision given the depth of American opposition… to further American military involvement in Iran.”
Negotiations are currently underway in Qatar, where Israeli and Hamas representatives are finalizing a 60-day ceasefire plan that includes staged hostage releases and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The White House confirmed that Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, would join the talks later in the week.
Qatar’s latest proposal, delivered last week, was initially accepted by Israel. It contains language responding to Hamas’ demand for a permanent end to hostilities. While Hamas has asked for changes, Israel, despite labeling the revisions “unacceptable,” agreed to send a delegation for proximity talks — a crucial final step toward an agreement.
“They want to meet and they want to have that ceasefire,” Trump said of the process.
Although previous ceasefire efforts have failed, there is growing optimism following the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran. “The prime minister’s coming to this meeting now much strengthened by Israel’s military victory over Iran. The president is coming into this meeting much strengthened by America’s victory over Iran,” Oren said. “Both leaders can show a certain amount of flexibility. Clearly, the president wants this deal.”
Before leaving for Washington, Netanyahu expressed hope the meeting could help solidify an agreement. “This meeting can certainly help advance these results,” he said.
Trump also signaled optimism while speaking with reporters in New Jersey. “I think there’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the week… pertaining to quite a few of the hostages,” he said.
Ending the Gaza war is central to Trump’s broader Middle East strategy, especially his ambitions to expand the Abraham Accords by normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made clear that normalization cannot proceed until the war ends.
Netanyahu echoed that sentiment, stating, “I think we can work out a peace between us and the entire Middle East with President Trump’s leadership… we can establish a very, very broad peace that will include all our neighbors.”
As ceasefire talks progress, discussions are also ongoing regarding the governance and reconstruction of post-war Gaza, with Gulf nations expected to play a role.
One controversial plan, initially floated by Trump in February, proposed transforming Gaza into a Mediterranean resort destination by relocating its Palestinian residents. The proposal met swift backlash and was later set aside.
Asked on Monday whether the idea remained viable, Trump deferred to Netanyahu, who said, “I think President Trump had a brilliant vision. It’s called free choice. You know, if people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave. It shouldn’t be a prison.”
