Netanyahu working with Trump on deal to free all hostages, end Gaza war, but annexation question looms

Netanyahu stressed that Israel’s priorities are the release of hostages, the dismantling of Hamas, and the demilitarization of Gaza.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Sunday that his government is working closely with US President Donald Trump’s team on a proposal to end the war in Gaza.

However, he made no mention of discussions about annexing Judea and Samaria—a key demand of his coalition partners—even as Trump declared last week that he would not allow such a move.

Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu said the discussions concerning a Gaza deal were advancing but were not yet complete.

“We are working on it. It has not been finalized yet, but we are working with President Trump’s team as we speak, and I hope we can make it a go,” Netanyahu said.

He stressed that Israel’s priorities were the release of hostages, the dismantling of Hamas, and the demilitarization of Gaza.

The prime minister described Trump as “an incredible ally of Israel,” pointing to his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, US backing of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year.

Responding to criticism that he influences US policy, Netanyahu said: “President Trump does what he does because he decides what’s in America’s best interest. I don’t decide a thing for President Trump.”

According to Axios, White House envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner were scheduled to meet Netanyahu in New York to close remaining gaps in the plan.

Trump himself has said negotiations are in the “final stages” and predicted the deal could lead to broader peace across the region.

The talks come as Israel faces increasing international pressure after nearly two years of war in Gaza, with attention also turning to a different issue: annexation. In July, the Knesset voted overwhelmingly in favor of a symbolic resolution supporting sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have both pressed for advancing settlement projects in the area.

But following a meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders last week, Trump pledged he would not allow annexation, a statement that directly contradicts the goals of Netanyahu’s coalition partners.