Trump, Netanyahu Push for Hostage Deal but Draw Red Lines

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized on July 9, 2025, that he and U.S. President Donald Trump are fully aligned in their approach to reaching a hostage deal with Hamas.

Speaking from the U.S. Capitol during his visit to Washington, Netanyahu sought to underscore a message of unity between Israel and the United States, particularly as ceasefire negotiations continue to evolve.

“President Trump and I are working toward the same goals,” Netanyahu stated.

“We are committed to securing the release of our hostages, ending Hamas rule in Gaza, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.”

Despite speculation of U.S. pressure on Israel, Netanyahu maintained that both he and Trump are pursuing a deal, but “not at any price.”

He dismissed reports of friction over the negotiations and reiterated that Israel’s security concerns remain paramount in all discussions.

However, behind closed doors, the U.S. has reportedly urged Israel to adopt a more flexible stance regarding the partial withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza as part of a proposed truce.

According to Arab officials cited by The Times of Israel, this point remains a source of quiet but persistent tension.

Trump has repeatedly expressed optimism about a pending deal, saying there’s a “very good chance” that an agreement could be reached in the current or following week.

Yet, a senior Israeli official indicated that while a deal could potentially be finalized in the next one to two weeks, a breakthrough is unlikely within the next few days.

Under the current proposal being discussed in Doha, a 60-day ceasefire would be enacted in exchange for the release of 10 Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 others.

During this truce, Israel would seek to negotiate a permanent ceasefire, contingent upon Hamas disarming.

If Hamas refuses, military operations are expected to resume.

In a rare public statement, Hamas claimed it has shown “flexibility” in the negotiations, agreeing to the release of 10 hostages.

However, the group stressed that several key issues remain unresolved, including the flow of humanitarian aid, IDF withdrawal, and guarantees for a long-term ceasefire.

Hamas described its ongoing involvement in the talks as “serious and positive,” though no major progress has been confirmed.

The proposal under discussion stems from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who claimed this week that three out of four major sticking points have already been addressed in indirect negotiations held in Doha.

Still, diplomatic sources told The Times of Israel that while Washington remains hopeful, mediators from Egypt and Qatar are more cautious, citing substantial remaining disagreements.

One particularly sensitive issue is whether Israel would be allowed to resume its military campaign after the 60-day truce.

Reports suggest that U.S. officials have privately conveyed to mediators that Washington would not support the resumption of Israeli military operations.

According to them, this is whether or not that stipulation is explicitly stated in the final agreement.

Back in Washington, Netanyahu met with families of Israeli hostages alongside senior Trump administration officials.

While the Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed appreciation for the administration’s commitment to securing the captives’ release, they voiced skepticism toward the proposed framework.

The group objects to any phased approach that delays the release of all hostages, arguing that such a plan leaves too much uncertainty.

Still, U.S. officials reportedly assured the families that all 50 known hostages would eventually be freed under the current proposal.

Witkoff noted that the meeting was organized to keep families informed of the status of negotiations in Doha.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu addressed growing international concerns over Israel’s policy toward Gaza’s civilian population.

He rejected accusations that Israel intends to forcibly remove Palestinians from the territory, asserting that those who wish to leave should be allowed to do so voluntarily.

“We’re not forcing anyone out,” Netanyahu told reporters.

“If someone wants to leave Gaza, they should be free to do so without being held back by Hamas.”

Despite these reassurances, recent statements by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sparked backlash.

Katz outlined plans to create a “humanitarian city” in southern Gaza, where the population would be relocated and prevented from leaving once vetted.

Critics say this could amount to mass internment, and Hamas has used these comments to justify its hardline stance on troop withdrawal during the truce.

Netanyahu has reportedly told Likud members that Israel is systematically demolishing infrastructure in Gaza to discourage residents from remaining.

Although he publicly framed such actions as expanding people’s choices rather than limiting them.

With ceasefire talks continuing and hopes of a deal rising and falling by the day, Netanyahu’s visit to Washington has reinforced the message that while Israel and the U.S. may not always agree on tactics, their strategic objectives remain aligned—for now.

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