Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, where both leaders discussed possible future plans for Palestinians, ongoing regional conflicts, and renewed diplomatic talks with Iran.
At the start of the meeting, Netanyahu said Israel and the United States are jointly working to identify countries that could help offer Palestinians new opportunities.
He repeated his position that peace is possible with those who are not seeking Israel’s destruction but insisted that Israel must maintain full control over its security.
When asked about the possibility of a two-state solution, Trump avoided a clear answer and deferred the question to Netanyahu.
The Israeli leader said that granting statehood to the Palestinians would pose a threat to Israel’s existence, arguing that such a move would create a base for future attacks.
He also pointed to the October 7 attacks as an example, saying that Hamas had briefly gained control but failed to hold it.
Trump told reporters that he believes Hamas may now be open to a ceasefire. He said there are signs they are willing to talk and may soon agree to halt the fighting.
The president also commented on the rising tensions between Israel and Iran, expressing hope that the situation has calmed down.
Trump confirmed that his administration has planned discussions with Iranian officials in the coming week.
He added that lifting sanctions on Iran is possible but would only happen under the right conditions.
The comments follow Trump’s previous statements suggesting that Iran might be ready to return to the negotiation table after recent U.S. actions in the region.