Doubts surround second phase of ceasefire as Netanyahu heads to Washington for meeting with Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for the United States this morning, Sunday, in order to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House. 

The two leaders are expected to discuss the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, the situation in Lebanon, as well as the Iranian threat, including the possibility of a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. 

Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with the delegation accompanying him to Washington, boarded the Wings of Zion plane earlier this morning. Before boarding, Netanyahu said the meeting with Trump has the potential to redraw “the face of the Middle East.” 

“The decisions we made in the war have already changed the face of the Middle East,” Netanyahu stated. “Our decisions and the courage of our soldiers have redrawn the map. But I believe that working closely with President Trump, we can redraw it even further and for the better.” 

Netanyahu hinted at expanding the Abraham Accords, a possible reference to efforts by President Trump to achieve normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. 

“I believe that we can strengthen security, broaden the circle of peace and achieve a remarkable era of peace through strength.”

I’m leaving for a very important meeting with @realDonaldTrump in Washington.

The fact that this would be President Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since his inauguration is telling.

I think it’s a testimony to the strength of the Israeli-American alliance. It’s… pic.twitter.com/wWYrC7mYrF

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 2, 2025

Accompanying Netanyahu on the trip are Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Diplomatic Adviser Ophir Falk, Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, Military Secretary Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, government hostage point man Gal Hirsch, and other top aides.

The prime minister recently underwent prostate removal surgery and he had a pacemaker implanted in 2023. Therefore, alongside his political entourage, a dedicated medical team is reportedly accompanying Netanyahu, including Dr. Eyal Heller, a senior cardiologist from Sheba Medical Center, and Professor Mordechai Duvdevani, a leading urologist from Hadassah Hospital.

Despite the optimism expressed by Netanyahu, there are concerns within Israel over the second and third phases of the ceasefire agreement. 

According to the terms of the deal, Israel and Hamas are supposed to begin discussions over phase two of the deal this week. A report in Israel’s Channel 12 says there is hope among some Israeli leaders that instead of progressing to phase two, the first phase could be extended for a few more weeks. 

The reasoning is that phase two presents an obstacle – conflicting demands from Israel and Hamas. Hamas is demanding guarantees that the IDF will withdraw completely thus enabling it (Hamas) to remain in Gaza, while Israel insists on the dismantling of Hamas. 

If Hamas is willing to extend the current phase a little longer, the remaining civilian hostages could be released before Israel has to decide whether to compromise on any of its positions. 

The current opinion in Israel is that Hamas will not be willing to release any of the IDF soldiers until Israel accepts its demands to remain in Gaza. Netanyahu’s coalition partners, including members of his own Likud party, are unlikely to agree to that demand, which could lead to a collapse of the ceasefire deal. 

Reports in Hebrew media stated that Netanyahu canceled a planned meeting with Mossad chief David Barnea, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, hostage point man Nitzan Alon, and other senior negotiators on Saturday evening. The prime minister has decided to wait until after he meets with President Trump and his special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to formulate the Israeli position for the next round of negotiations.

Netanyahu and Witkoff are expected to meet on Monday to discuss the gaps between Israel’s and Hamas’ positions.