Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize during a White House meeting on Monday, as the two leaders discussed prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu presented Trump with a letter commending his efforts to end conflicts in the Middle East, saying, “You deserve it.”
The meeting comes amid Israel’s 21-month war against Hamas, which has resulted in nearly 60,000 deaths, mostly Palestinian. Indirect talks between Israeli and Hamas negotiators resumed in Qatar, but key sticking points remain, including Israel’s insistence on banishing Hamas from Gaza and guarantees that the war will not continue.
When asked about reports of plans to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza, Netanyahu said Palestinians should have “free choice” to stay or leave, adding that Israel is working with the US to find countries willing to offer a better future. He rejected the idea of Gaza being a “prison”.
On Iran, Trump said he hoped the US would not strike again, noting that Tehran “want to work something out”. He also expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, confirming that the US will send more weapons to Kyiv, as they “have to be able to defend themselves”.
Netanyahu reiterated that Israel must maintain overall security control over Gaza and the West Bank, but said a broader peace with the Middle East is possible under Trump’s leadership. Trump declined to share details on a ceasefire but said Hamas “want to meet and they want to have that ceasefire”.
