When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the White House for dinner on Monday, he didn’t come empty-handed. Instead, he brought what may be the most flattering diplomatic gesture for President Donald Trump: a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The nomination plays directly into Trump’s longstanding desire to receive the prestigious honor, which he believes is warranted for his attempts to end global conflicts — especially the nearly two-year war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
A breakthrough in that war could hinge on Netanyahu’s willingness to accept terms for a comprehensive ceasefire — a topic Trump planned to raise during their meeting in the White House’s Blue Room. But even before dinner was served, Netanyahu was eager to praise Trump’s peacemaking credentials.
“He’s forging peace, as we speak, one country and one region at a time,” Netanyahu said, handing Trump the nomination letter. “I’ve sent this to the Nobel Committee, nominating you for the Peace Prize. You’ve earned it, and you should get it.”
“Wow. I didn’t know about this,” Trump replied, visibly pleased. “Coming from you, that means a lot. Thank you very much, Bibi.”
A Deal in Gaza, a Legacy for Trump
For Trump, a peace agreement ending the Gaza war would mark another milestone in his bid to be seen as a global peacemaker — and boost his case for the Nobel Prize. “I’m stopping wars. I hate to see people killed,” Trump said as dinner got underway.
He sees Netanyahu as essential to achieving this, even as the Israeli leader has at times stood in the way. Trump has made clear that ending the war is now a personal priority. Behind the warm public embrace lies mounting pressure on Netanyahu to commit to terms — including ones he has previously rejected — that would bring a definitive end to the fighting.
“We had a great result recently,” Trump said, alluding to Israeli and American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. “And we’re going to have a lot of great results.”
That military action has changed the regional landscape and, according to former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren, given both leaders stronger negotiating positions. “The prime minister comes into this meeting strengthened by Israel’s victory over Iran. The president arrives strengthened by America’s role in that,” said Oren. “Now, both can afford some flexibility — and clearly, the president wants this deal.”
Progress on a Ceasefire
Diplomats from Israel and Hamas are in Qatar working on the details of a potential 60-day ceasefire. The proposed deal includes a phased release of hostages and expanded humanitarian aid to Gaza. Trump’s foreign envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to join the negotiations soon, a sign that the talks remain active.
The Qatari plan, presented last week, was quickly accepted by Israel. Hamas responded positively but asked for amendments. While Israel labeled the changes “unacceptable,” it still agreed to participate in proximity talks — a final step before a potential agreement.
“They want to meet. They want that ceasefire,” Trump said, voicing cautious optimism.
Such talks have failed in the past, collapsing under irreconcilable differences. But the regional shift — especially the brief war with Iran — may be fueling new momentum. “There’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the coming week, involving quite a few of the hostages,” Trump told reporters Sunday.
Beyond Gaza: The Bigger Prize
For Trump, a ceasefire is about more than stopping the violence — it’s a stepping stone toward broader diplomatic ambitions. Chief among them: persuading Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel under the framework of the Abraham Accords, a key foreign policy achievement from his first term.
Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have made clear that no normalization is possible while the Gaza war continues. A ceasefire is therefore vital to Trump’s larger vision for regional peace.
Netanyahu echoed this goal at the White House. “I believe we can reach peace with the entire Middle East under President Trump’s leadership,” he said. “Working together, I think we can establish a very broad peace that includes all our neighbors.”
What Comes After the War?
One unresolved issue is what happens in Gaza if the war ends. Israel insists Hamas cannot remain in control, but it’s unclear who would take over. The Palestinian Authority is one possibility — a factor that could be crucial in securing financial support from Gulf nations for rebuilding the enclave.
Then there’s Trump’s controversial proposal, first floated in February, to resettle Gaza’s Palestinian population and redevelop the area into a luxury destination — dubbed by Trump as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Though met with international outrage, the plan has not been completely ruled out.
When asked Monday whether that idea was still under consideration, Trump deferred to Netanyahu. The prime minister gave a carefully worded response: “I think President Trump had a brilliant vision. It’s called free choice. If people want to stay, they can stay. But if they want to leave, they should be able to leave. It shouldn’t be a prison.”
A Nobel and a New Era?
The gesture of nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize was symbolic, but it underscored the political stakes of the moment. A ceasefire deal in Gaza could solidify Trump’s status as a power broker in the Middle East — and burnish his international legacy. Netanyahu, ever pragmatic, appears willing to assist, so long as Israeli interests are preserved.
As the talks in Qatar continue, and Trump intensifies his push for a deal, the next few days may be critical. Whether or not a Nobel Prize is in his future, Trump is betting that peace in Gaza — and possibly beyond — is within reach.
