Trump agreed to meet Netanyahu in exchange for concessions - assessment

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought cabinet approval for deploying International Stabilization Forces (ISF) in the Gaza Strip to secure a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The White House indicated that a meeting is possible only with a concrete diplomatic outcome. Netanyahu decided to make Gaza the main focus, bringing to the cabinet the issue of approving the first stage of ISF deployment, despite an undefeated Hamas. This was seen as a gesture toward Trump and a departure from the cabinet's previous condition.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought cabinet approval for deploying International Stabilization Forces (ISF) in the Gaza Strip to ensure his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump, according to Channel 12. Sources say the White House showed little interest in arranging a meeting with Netanyahu, signaling through diplomatic channels that the Israeli prime minister should arrive in Washington with a concrete diplomatic result. After consultations with Israel's ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, and advisors close to Trump, Netanyahu decided to make the Gaza Strip the main focus to demonstrate progress. The prime minister brought to the cabinet the issue of approving the first stage of ISF deployment as part of a Gaza plan under the auspices of the Peace Council, despite Hamas terrorists not being disarmed at that point. According to an Israeli official familiar with the discussions, the prime minister persistently pushed for this decision, viewing it as a 'gesture toward Trump.' This step effectively marked a departure from the cabinet's earlier condition that international forces could only be deployed after Hamas's disarmament. Netanyahu is preparing for a meeting with Trump at the White House, despite ongoing disagreements between the two leaders, particularly over Iran.