Netanyahu Agrees to International Force in Gaza as US Conditions Trump Meeting

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are set to meet tomorrow at 18:00 in a private session without cameras. The meeting was confirmed after weeks of coordination attempts, with the White House insisting that Netanyahu demonstrate progress on a conflict front before the encounter. Israeli officials were told, "If you think of coming empty-handed, you will not come."

Following diplomatic consultations involving US Ambassador David Friedman and Trump advisors, Netanyahu chose to present advancements regarding the Gaza Strip. Consequently, the Israeli cabinet approved the deployment of an international stabilization force to Gaza, despite Hamas not yet fulfilling its commitment to disarm. This decision marks a departure from a previously established principle that Hamas's disarmament was a precondition for any arrangement.

An Israeli source familiar with the cabinet discussion described the move as a "gesture to Trump that essentially represents a retreat from a previously set principle." The upcoming meeting is expected to focus on Iran-related issues. The Prime Minister's Office had attempted to schedule the meeting since early July but faced reluctance from the White House until the condition of showing progress was met.