US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, US, 15 September 2020. Photo: Tom Brenner/Reuters
This week, one of the most important meetings in the history of Israeli-American relations will take place in Washington, DC. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump will discuss issues that could change the balance of power in the Middle East. At stake are the shaky truce with Hamas, the release of Israeli hostages, and the prospect of an IDF withdrawal from Gaza.
For Netanyahu, this meeting is a test of his political maturity and ability to act in the interests of his country. Trump, who has repeatedly stated that he will not allow Hamas to regain full control of Gaza, is also seeking a speedy end to the 15-month war. This means that he will insist on the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire, which provides for the withdrawal of Israeli troops, even if it means preserving Hamas’s power.
Over the past two weeks, Israeli society has experienced an extremely emotional moment – the return of the hostages home. Most Israelis are willing to make a painful compromise, releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, in order to bring their citizens home. However, this puts Netanyahu in a dilemma: to give in to free the hostages or to stand his ground and risk the collapse of the coalition.
Anna Barsky in The Jerusalem Post notes that Israel and Hamas have diametrically opposed expectations of the second phase of the truce. Israel demands the elimination of Hamas as a military, political and civilian force. Hamas, on the other hand, wants to regain control of Gaza.
Will Netanyahu be able to convince Trump that these two mutually exclusive conditions cannot be reconciled? Or will Trump choose the easier option of a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the release of hostages, leaving Hamas in the political arena?
True leadership is not tested by loud statements, but by the ability to make difficult decisions. Total victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages were the main goals of the war. But are they still realistic today?
Every Israeli has an opinion on what to do. But Netanyahu will have to make the decision. Will he have the foresight and courage to choose the right path? The answer to this question will determine the future of Israel.
