Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the second phase of the U.S.-brokered plan to end the Gaza war is “close,” but warned major issues still need agreement including whether a multinational security force will enter Gaza. Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said he will meet President Donald Trump later this month in Washington to resolve the remaining obstacles. A date for the visit has not yet been released.
Why It Matters:
The truce between Israel and Hamas has held for nearly two months, yet both sides accuse each other of repeated violations. Under Phase One of Trump’s plan, Israel kept control of 53% of Gaza and carried out coordinated prisoner–hostage exchanges. Phase Two the crucial stage would shift Gaza into a transitional period involving reconstruction, disarmament of Hamas, and a multinational force. But progress has stalled, threatening to freeze any long-term settlement.
What’s Holding Up Phase Two:
Netanyahu said core questions must be resolved:
– Who will make up the multinational force?
– What alternatives exist if foreign troops refuse to deploy?
– What is the timeline?
He insisted that Hamas must fully disarm and honor its commitments. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes have continued inside Gaza, which the military says are pre-emptive operations. Gaza’s health ministry reports 373 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, while three Israeli soldiers were killed by militants.
Germany’s Position:
Chancellor Merz said Phase Two “must come now,” and that Berlin is willing to assist in Gaza’s reconstruction but only after Trump and Netanyahu meet and the U.S. clarifies its expectations.
Regional and Political Stakes:
Netanyahu said he would also discuss broader diplomatic opportunities with Trump, including potential normalization deals with Arab and Muslim states. At the same time, he reaffirmed Israel’s insistence on maintaining security control over the West Bank.
Trump has told Muslim leaders Israel would not annex the West Bank, but Netanyahu said political annexation “remains a subject of discussion,” signaling a point of tension in upcoming talks.
What’s Next:
All eyes are now on Netanyahu’s trip to Washington, where the future of Gaza’s governance, the fate of the multinational force, and the direction of Israeli–Arab diplomacy will hinge on the outcome of his meeting with Trump.
With information from Reuters.
