Payam Javan: U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Sept. 29 for high-level talks on achieving a ceasefire and advancing a broader peace plan for Gaza. This marks Netanyahu’s fourth visit to Washington since Trump began his second term in January, underscoring Israel’s central role in the administration’s Middle East strategy. Trump has expressed optimism that a deal to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages could soon be within reach.

In recent days, Trump has intensified diplomatic efforts, meeting with leaders from Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other key nations on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. The administration has floated a 21-point proposal that calls for ending hostilities, freeing Israeli captives, and reviving Israeli-Palestinian talks. Netanyahu confirmed that while Israel has not formally committed to the plan, discussions with U.S. officials are ongoing, including the possibility of amnesty for some Hamas members under strict conditions.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, has continued to push back against international pressure for a two-state solution, calling the idea “sheer madness” in a speech at the U.N. and ruling out any Palestinian Authority role in Gaza. While Trump has made clear he will not permit Israeli annexation of the West Bank, both leaders appear aligned on pressing Hamas to end its campaign while mobilizing regional support for a lasting peace. The Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, has claimed thousands of lives, and Trump insists that “intense negotiations” now underway could mark a historic breakthrough.