July 9, 2025: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded his second meeting in two days with US President Donald Trump, focusing on the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release talks. Despite high hopes, no public breakthrough was announced.
The meeting was added to Netanyahu’s schedule just hours before, and Trump expressed optimism about progress. However, US special envoy Steve Witkoff delayed his planned trip to Doha, signaling that significant progress on the Gaza talks still needs to be made. Reports indicate the fifth round of proximity talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar ended without major advancements, with Palestinian officials accusing the Israeli team of stalling and lacking authority to make decisions.
Before Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump, senior Qatari officials met Witkoff at the White House to discuss hostage negotiations. After the Oval Office meeting, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to freeing hostages, eliminating Hamas’s capabilities, and ensuring Gaza no longer threatens Israel.
Netanyahu also discussed a recent joint US-Israel operation against Iran with Trump and Vice President JD Vance and highlighted ongoing efforts to expand peace through the Abraham Accords.