Ceasefire and Nobel Peace Prize: What Happened in Trump and Netanyahu's Meeting in Washington?

US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a private dinner at the White House on Monday evening, in a meeting that carried crucial messages regarding the situation in Gaza, relations with Iran, and peace opportunities in the Middle East.

Prior to the dinner, Trump expressed his confidence that Hamas is indeed seeking a ceasefire in Gaza, saying, "They want a meeting, they want a ceasefire, they want this," adding that he sees no obstacles to reaching a truce, and that things are "going well."

Netanyahu, on his part, spoke about close cooperation with the United States and other countries to provide Palestinians with a better future, hinting at the possibility of Gaza residents moving to neighboring countries if they wish to do so.

He explained that "if people want to stay, they can, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave."

He added that his country is working to find states willing to realize this vision.

Netanyahu once again ruled out the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state, emphasizing that Israel will always retain security control over Gaza, considering any Palestinian state as a "platform to destroy Israel."

When asked about the possibility of a two-state solution, Trump replied that he does not know and referred the question to Netanyahu, who affirmed that Palestinians can govern themselves, but without authorities that threaten Israel's security, and that sovereignty will remain in his hands.

In a notable move, Netanyahu announced during the meeting that he nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, presenting him with a copy of the nomination letter he sent to the prize committee, affirming that Trump is working to establish peace "in one country after another, and one region after another."

Prior to the dinner, Netanyahu held two meetings with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Wicoff, at the presidential guesthouse, Blair House, near the White House. Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the US Congress on Tuesday to meet with leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Simultaneously, indirect talks are taking place in Doha between Israeli officials and representatives of Hamas, mediated by the US, aiming to reach an agreement including the release of prisoners and a ceasefire.

Trump emphasized that ending the Gaza war is a top priority for his administration, while his envoy Wicoff headed to Qatar to participate in the talks.

In a related context, Trump addressed the Iranian file, indicating his desire to discuss the possibility of reaching a "permanent agreement" with Iran during his meeting with Netanyahu, and revealed a scheduled date for upcoming talks with Tehran in the next week.

He confirmed his wish to lift the US sanctions imposed on Iran "at the appropriate time," adding that he hopes Iran can rebuild itself peacefully, a goal he seeks to achieve.

Netanyahu's visit to Washington is the third since Trump returned to office in January, coming weeks after Trump ordered US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in support of Israel during a 12-day military confrontation that ended with a ceasefire mediated by the US.