United States President Donald Trump is hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House for talks about the recent conflict with Iran and Israel’s war on Gaza.
Trump, Netanyahu respond to questions on two-state solution, Gaza ceasefire
Well, that was a private dinner that we were sure the press would not be allowed into.
That changed. Obviously, they did want to say things to the public and to the media.
There were some interesting comments made: first of all, Trump saying he doesn’t know whether it’s possible to have a two-state solution; and the Israeli prime minister making very clear that there may be a Palestinian state, but it would never, ever, as he put it, have security control.
There was also a discussion about the possible relocation of Palestinians, this being suggested by Netanyahu, while insisting that people will have free choice. Trump then interjected with the comment that there are many neighbours in the region who would be happy to cooperate – in other words, implying that there would be some form of relocation, in terms of any ceasefire plan or peace plan that is reached in the days or indeed weeks ahead.
Most important point, perhaps, is that there’s a belief, certainly among the US president and the Israeli prime minister, that a ceasefire in Gaza is possible.
And I must add, as well, the fact that the Israeli prime minister is staying in Washington, DC, until Thursday, is a very clear indication that there is a lot of work being done.
Protesters gather outside White House
As INetanyahu makes his third visit to the White House since Trump returned to office, protesters have once again taken to the streets of Washington, DC, to protest his arrival.
A handful protesters in Washington’s Lafayette Park, across from the White House, held signs calling Netanyahu a “war criminal” and calling for Palestinian sovereignty.
Trump says US will be holding talks with Iran
The US president says the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites have created a new push for dialogue.
“When those sites were knocked out, that was essentially the end,” he told reporters.
“I asked, What’s the purpose of talking if it’s been knocked out and knocked out completely?’ But they requested a meeting, and I’m going to go to a meeting, and if we can put something down on paper, that’ll be fine.”
He then deferred to his envoy, Steve Witkoff, on the timing for the talks.
“Very quickly. In the next week or so,” he said.
- Al Jazeera
