Trump speaks to Netanyahu on Gaza hostage deal and Iran
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President Trump spoke on Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal and the nuclear talks with Iran, according to Israeli and U.S. officials.
Why it matters: The phone call took place amid a stalemate in the Gaza negotiations after another failed attempt last week by the U.S. and Egypt to put forward a bridging proposal both sides could accept.
- The Trump administration wants to make another attempt this week to bring about a breakthrough, but Netanyahu has been reluctant to agree to anything beyond an interim deal that does not end the war.
- Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani will meet on Tuesday in Washington with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the issue.
What they're saying: "I've just spoken to Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, relative to numerous subjects including Trade, Iran, etc. The call went very well—We are on the same side of every issue," Trump said.
- Trump told Netanyahu during the call that he wants a deal with Iran but is committed to ensuring Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, adding: "Iran has a choice to make."
Behind the scenes: The call was planned to take place on Monday but was postponed due to scheduling conflicts, the sources say.
The big picture: This was the first phone call between Trump and Netanyahu since their meeting at the White House two weeks ago, during which Trump announced the start of negotiations with Iran and made it clear to Netanyahu that he opposes an attack on Iran at this time.
- The call took place several days after the second round of nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. in Rome.
- Trump said on Monday that Witkoff had "good meetings" with Iran.
- Israel is very concerned about the negotiations and is lobbying the administration to take a hard line with Tehran.
