Netanyahu, Trump said working on plan to end Gaza war and expand Abraham Accords – The Times of Israel
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
BOMBSHELL: Netanyahu agrees to two-state solution with ‘reformed’ Palestinian Authority – report
The agreement also proposed an expansion of the Abraham Accords to include Syria, Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries. The territory would be ruled by a coalition of Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. Israel would agree to a two-state solution with a “reformed” Palestinian Authority. The United States would recognize limited Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. The agreement may have inspired Trump’s unprecedented social media post Thursday morning, insisting that the prime minister be exempt from standing trial on accusations of corruption.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Since the US weekend attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Israeli Prime Minister and US President Donald Trump reportedly began planning for an expansion of the Abraham Accords and a two-state solution, provided that the Palestinian Authority enacts reforms, according to Israel Hayom.
Two sources reported that as Israel and the United States were “euphoric” over the success of the campaign using B-2 bombers to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump, Netanyahu, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer participated in a four-way phone call to celebrate the achievement of military goals and discuss postwar plans for the Middle East.
The Israel Hayom report, based on the account of a source familiar with the matter, detailed the consensus reportedly reached by Netanyahu and Trump, which includes an end to the war in Gaza; the territory would be ruled by a coalition of Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Egypt; the exile of Hamas from the Gaza Strip; and the release of the remaining hostages. In addition, some countries would accept Gaza civilians who wish to leave.
The agreement also proposed an expansion of the Abraham Accords to include Syria, Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries that would normalize relations with Israel.
Shockingly, Israel would agree to a two-state solution with a “reformed” Palestinian Authority.
The United States would recognize limited Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.
Two diplomatic sources reported that Trump put substantial pressure on Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza and that this pressure existed even before Israel launched missiles against Iran, commencing Operation Rising Lion.
In addition, the sources said the reason for Trump’s anger and use of expletives when expressing frustration at Israel over its preparation to retaliate against Iran’s missile attack was his fear that Israel would not only fail to comply with the Iran ceasefire but that Netanyahu might back out of the general peace framework they had agreed upon.
Netanyahu’s renewed commitment to the joint proposal may have inspired Trump’s unprecedented social media post Thursday morning, insisting that the prime minister be exempt from standing trial on accusations of corruption.
Israel at War Day 629 | Netanyahu: Victory Over Iran Paves the Way to ‘Dramatic Expansion’ of Peace Accords
The U.S. is considering a $20-$30 billion investment in Iran’s civilian nuclear program. The money would be provided by Arab partners, a source says. Iran’s foreign minister says there is currently no understanding for renewed talks
Funding for the civilian program would not be provided by the U.S., but rather, Arab partners, one Trump administration official said. Additionally, officials said Iran’s ending its enrichment of uranium is non-negotiable.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Thursday night that there is currently no understanding for renewed talks with the U.S. but that Tehran is assessing whether diplomacy with the U.S. is in its interest.
Israel’s Netanyahu sees peace talks expanding after war with Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the end of the war with Iran was an opportunity that must not be missed. The two countries agreed to end the conflict within two weeks. The deal could also include a deal with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to reports in the UK and the U.S. It would be the first time the two countries had agreed to a cease-fire in over 20 years.
TEL AVIV – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on June 26 the outcome of Israel’s war with Iran presented opportunities for peace that his country should not waste.
In a statement, Mr Netanyahu said: “This victory presents an opportunity for a dramatic widening of peace agreements. We are working on this with enthusiasm.
“Alongside the freeing of hostages and defeat of Hamas, there is a window of opportunity that must not be missed. We cannot waste even a single day.”
Earlier in the day, Israel Hayom newspaper, quoting an unnamed source, said Mr Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump agreed in a phone call this week on a rapid end to the war in Gaza, perhaps within two weeks.
Israel Hayom said the deal could include the expansion of the Abraham Accords with Israel’s Arab neighbours to include Saudi Arabia and Syria.
The prime minister’s office declined to comment on the Israel Hayom report.
The US-brokered Israel-Iran ceasefire announced by Mr Trump raised hopes among Palestinians of an end to over 20 months of war in Gaza that has widely demolished the territory and displaced most residents, with malnutrition widespread.
On June 22, Mr Netanyahu said that with a weakened Iran, he expected more countries to join the Abraham Accords.
“We have broken the axis,” Mr Netanyahu told reporters then. “This is a huge change and Israel’s status is rising, not just in the Middle East but also in the world. This is a tectonic shift.”
“We will see a bright new future, of security, of prosperity, of hope and of peace.” REUTERS
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Trump, Netanyahu reportedly agree on plan to end Gaza war, expand Abraham Accords
Trump, Netanyahu reportedly agree on plan to end Gaza war, expand Abraham Accords. U.S. would recognize Israeli sovereignty in parts of the West Bank and Israel would voice support for a two-state solution. Under the terms of the agreement, the UAE and Egypt, along with two other Arab countries, would jointly govern the Gaza Strip after Hamas’ removal. Shortly after the publication of the report, Netanyahu released a statement saying, “We fought valiantly against Iran — and achieved a great victory. This victory opens up an opportunity for a dramatic expansion of the peace agreements. We are working hard on this.’““Along with the release of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas, there is a window of opportunity here that must not be missed,” Netanyahu added.
Trump, Netanyahu reportedly agree on plan to end Gaza war, expand Abraham Accords
A new report by Israel Hayom says the two leaders also agreed that the U.S. would recognize Israeli sovereignty in parts of the West Bank and Israel would voice support for a two-state solution
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to terms to end the war in Gaza and advance other shared interests in a telephone call held shortly after the U.S. struck nuclear sites in Iran earlier this week, according to a new report by Israel Hayom.
A source familiar with the conversation told the right-leaning Israeli daily that Trump and Netanyahu were joined on the call by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, where the four determined that Israel would end the war in Gaza within two weeks.
This process would include the exiling of what remains of Hamas’ leadership from Gaza, voluntary emigration for Gazans who elect to leave the territory — though which countries would host them was not specified in the report — and the release of the 50 hostages remaining in Gaza, less than half of whom are thought to be alive.
Under the terms of the agreement, the UAE and Egypt, along with two other Arab countries, would jointly govern the Gaza Strip after Hamas’ removal.
In addition, the Abraham Accords would be expanded to include Syria and Saudi Arabia, as well as additional Arab and Muslim states.
The plan would also see U.S. recognition of “limited” Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank, while Israel would express support for a future two-state solution premised on reforms within the Palestinian Authority.
Shortly after the publication of the Israel Hayom report, Netanyahu released a statement saying, “We fought valiantly against Iran — and achieved a great victory. This victory opens up an opportunity for a dramatic expansion of the peace agreements. We are working hard on this.”
“Along with the release of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas, there is a window of opportunity here that must not be missed,” Netanyahu added. “Not even a single day must be wasted.”
The feasibility of this plan remains in question. The Israeli government has been firm in its opposition to a two-state solution and public opposition to a Palestinian state grew after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks. In April, as French President Emmanuel Macron moved to recognize a Palestinian state, Netanyahu “expressed fierce opposition” to the move in a phone call with Macron and conveyed to him that “a Palestinian state established a few minutes away from Israeli cities would become an Iranian stronghold of terrorism; that the vast majority of the Israeli public opposes that categorically — and that this has been the PM’s consistent and longstanding policy,” according to a readout from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Even the potential acceptance of a future Palestinian state could put Netanyahu’s governing coalition at risk, with not only the parties led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar adamantly opposing one, but most Likud lawmakers, as well.
U.S. lawmakers told Jewish Insider last week after a trip to the region that the normalization process between Saudi Arabia and Israel had been dealt setbacks by and since Oct. 7 and that the Saudis were demanding concrete progress toward a two-state solution before moving forward with normalization.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia in March condemned moves by the Israeli government to encourage migration from Gaza. The Arab League, meeting earlier that month, also adopted a plan for Gaza’s reconstruction put forward by Egypt where a committee of Gazan professionals would manage the Strip for a period of time until the Palestinian Authority would take over its governance.
Netanyahu says victory opens path to expand Abraham Accords
U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said Wednesday night: “We think we will have some pretty big announcements on countries that are coming into the Abraham Accords. ” Netanyahu said that after the victory over Iran, Israel now has an opportunity to expand the accords. There’s no doubt that the war with Iran marks a turning point. The heavy blow dealt to Tehran—even if its nuclear program wasn’t completely destroyed—sends a crucial message to moderate Muslim states: it’�s time to choose a side, and choose quickly. No normalization steps are likely before the conflict in Gaza ends, and it is therefore likely that T rump will now turn his full attention to Gaza and push for a hostage deal as the condition for ending the war. The most likely first mover is Azerbaijan, which has strategic ties with Israel, and may bring Armenia as well. Saudi Arabia is the most pivotal state to join Israel.
In a video post Netanyahu said that after the victory over Iran, Israel now has an opportunity to expand the accords. “We have an opportunity and it must not be waisted. we must not waist even one day,” Netanyahu said.
4 View gallery Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video post ( Photo: PMO )
Earlier officials were surprised when U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said Wednesday night: “We think we will have some pretty big announcements on countries that are coming into the Abraham Accords. ” An Israeli source told ynet: “It’s not yet clear who Witkoff meant, and we aren’t aware of any concrete developments.”
But behind the scenes—particularly in the Prime Minister’s Office—people understand the Americans’ intentions, at least in terms of the plan they’re crafting.
Assuming that Witkoff was not speaking randomly, we can begin to guess the shape of the expected normalization. There’s no doubt that the war with Iran marks a turning point—the Middle East and Muslim-majority states have realized a significant shift: Uncle Sam is once again the world’s sheriff. The heavy blow dealt to Tehran—even if its nuclear program wasn’t completely destroyed—sends a crucial message to moderate Muslim states: it’s time to choose a side, and choose quickly.
4 View gallery Mohammed Bin Salman, Donald Trump. Benjamin Netanyahu ( Photos: Dana Koppel; Carlos Osorio, Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuter/ Bashar Taleb / AFP, Jack Guez/ AFP )
Those aligned with the Axis of Evil will want to distance themselves, and fast. After suffering blows over the past year, everyone has learned what happened to those sheltered by Iran: Assad’s regime collapsed ; Hassan Nasrallah was targeted and Hezbollah’s capabilities were significantly diminished; the Houthis were left in ruins and their commander was killed or severely injured at an arms trafficking event; Iraqi militias were decimated—and, above all, Iran itself is licking its wounds after losing around 20 senior commanders.
The U.S. plan explicitly envisions peace through strength. This is President Trump’s strategy—he likely expected regional states to line up after the strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. But reality is more complicated, and it certainly won’t happen overnight.
No normalization steps are likely before the conflict in Gaza ends, and it is therefore likely that T rump will now turn his full attention to Gaza and push for a hostage deal as the condition for ending the war. This would be a major milestone, almost essential for normalization. Trump and his team are preparing for the post-war phase, positioning both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli public opinion. It’s no coincidence that Trump’s dramatic post Wednesday night, calling to drop Netanyahu’s trial , may be part of the broader strategy. There are no free gifts—Netanyahu will have to pay, in Israeli political currency.
Everyone is waiting for Riyadh
Assuming the Gaza war really is nearing its end, there are a few early candidates could join the Abraham Accords. The most likely first mover is Azerbaijan, which has strategic ties with Israel, and U.S. influence may bring Armenia as well. Azerbaijan, a Shiite Muslim country, already maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, though mostly symbolically. Witkoff visited there before and hinted at it. Armenia also has relations with Israel—but they are tense.
4 View gallery Benjamin Netanyahu and Steve Wtikoff ( Photo: Ma’ayan Toaf/ GPO )
In the Middle East, Syria seems the most plausible next candidate. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi mentioned the possibility of normalization discussions with Syria—and even Lebanon—in a Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee briefing. Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa understands that joining the Accords could bring international recognition and perhaps sanctions relief after Assad’s fall.
That’s not to say embassies will open in Damascus tomorrow, nor that Israelis will soon enjoy hummus in the capital’s markets. Still, an agreement between the two governments is plausible. Israel is already in contact with al‑Shara’s regime; both share a mutual interest in preventing an Iranian‑Hezbollah presence in Syria.
With Lebanon, however, the situation is far more complex. The Lebanese public isn’t ready for normalization, but perhaps, at most, a non‑belligerence pact.
Saudi Arabia is the pivotal state the Americans most want to join. Its accession could trigger a flood of follow-on agreements: Indonesia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman—and several African Muslim-majority nations like Niger, Mali, Djibouti. Some even speculate Indonesia might precede Saudi Arabia, but everybody will be watching Riyadh. The key question: will Saudi agree only if the Gaza war ends, or will they also demand a formal Palestinian state as part of the conditions?
Netanyahu currently seems incapable of signaling openness to a future Palestinian state—especially as long as Smotrich and BenGvir remain in his government. If Netanyahu wants to leave a legacy, he may even have to part ways with his hard‑right allies. It’s already clear this is bigger than ending the Gaza war—and it seems likely Trump might try to bring Israeli opposition figures on board. Don’t be surprised if Bennett, Lapid, or Gantz are invited to the White House later to help Netanyahu craft a “political parachute” to free him from far‑right influence.
But reality is more complicated than Trump’s dramatic rhetoric, and that of his envoy Witkoff. Hamas remains 100% obstinate. Without firm guarantees for a war-ending deal, Hamas will block an interim agreement; without an interim agreement there is no ceasefire and no hostage release. Perhaps after the strikes on Iran, the U.S. and Israel will reconsider and propose a comprehensive, single‑step deal. With the momentum from the Iran operation, Netanyahu could indeed pass such a deal in his government.
The telltale signs
As early as last March, a political insider close to the prime minister told ynet: “Netanyahu fears a hostage deal ending the war could hurt his coalition, so he intended to link it to the Saudi deal—a major package that couldn’t be signed without a Gaza solution, and might include the issue of control over the Strip.” Netanyahu also wanted to link the deal to normalization, but gaps remained.
Reports suggest that such a package has been on the table for many months—but it involves an Israeli pullback from Gaza. Now, after the successes against Iran, signs are growing that more countries will join the Accords—subject to specific conditions.
4 View gallery Benjamin Netanyahu confers on the floorof the kNesset with Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich ( Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP )
First, consider Trump’s late-night post calling to drop Netanyahu’s trial, to which Netanyahu responded by thanking him for his support. Trump wrote: “Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State.” As stated earlier, Trump doesn’t give gifts for free; this is part of a larger, likely coordinated, regional strategy—and Netanyahu is part of it.
Trump hasn’t hidden his goals: since declaring the ceasefire with Iran, he’s become impatient with Israel—especially over the ongoing war in Gaza. In Trump’s view, the vision is clear: end the war, bring back the hostages—then move toward normalization with Saudi Arabia and extend the Abraham Accords to more regional—and perhaps international—partners. Witkoff even hinted last night that a “deal with Hamas is closer than ever.”
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In this context, Trump’s call to drop the trial is not unrelated—but may be part of a “package deal”: Trump offers Netanyahu public and possibly practical support, and in return Netanyahu is expected to do everything possible to end the Gaza war and advance regional objectives. This may just be the first shot in a broader campaign yet to unfold.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid hinted as much Thursday morning in an interview with ynet: “With all due respect to Trump—he shouldn’t interfere in the judicial process of a sovereign country. I assume it’s a concession he’s giving Netanyahu because he intends to bend him regarding Gaza and ending the war. That suits Trump.”
Meanwhile, responses to the post that rattled the political system are underway. Attorney Amit Hadad, Netanyahu’s lawyer, petitioned the Jerusalem District Court to delay his client’s testimony over the next two weeks—arguing that it’s a critical period nationally and diplomatically, and that the Prime Minister’s attention is required for “top-tier tasks,” chiefly directing the Gaza war and its regional ramifications.
‘The era of piecemeal deals is over’
On Thursday, against the backdrop of the Iran ceasefire and the ongoing Gaza conflict, hostage families issued a statement expressing anger at the government and calling to “advance a comprehensive agreement now.”
Fearing another round of piecemeal deals with brutal list-making (deciding who will be released after nearly two years in captivity and who remains in Hamas custody), Vicky Cohen—mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen—said: “He’s rotted in tunnels for 629 nights and days. After so long, I’ve run out of words. It’s time for a comprehensive deal—the era of partial deals is over.”
Udi Goren, cousin of the fallen soldier and hostage Tal Haimi, said: “We’ve achieved military gains, but failed politically.”
Einav Tsengauker, mother of hostage Matan Tsengauker, noted: “If it could end with Iran, it can end with Gaza.” She appealed directly to President Trump, asking him to “decide to bring my son home from the tunnels. End the Gaza war now.” She added: “Why are they not willing to end the war in Gaza, once Hamas has been defeated?”