Trump-Netanyahu Meeting a High-Stakes Test for ‘Peacemaker’ and ‘Dealmaker’ in Chief

February 4, 2025

J Street Urges Focus on Post-War Planning and Ceasefire / Hostage Deal Progress

Washington DC – Today’s White House meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be a major test for a Commander in Chief seeking to fashion himself as a “peacemaker” and “dealmaker” president capable of ending wars and restoring peace where his predecessor failed.

At stake are two fragile ceasefires – in Gaza and Lebanon – that the Trump team has claimed significant credit for sealing and maintaining. In recent weeks, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s political allies in Israel have threatened to bring down his government as they seek to sabotage the Gaza ceasefire deal and claim more territory for settlement – even at the expense of Israel’s own security and the wellbeing of the hostages still held by Hamas.

J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement in advance of the meeting: 

“Today’s meeting will be an opportunity for President Trump to draw the line against a return to war. The President should not allow himself to be played by Netanyahu or others who are seeking to sabotage the deal. He should keep up the pressure, together with other countries, both on Israel and on Hamas to start negotiations on moving to Phase II of the ceasefire, ultimately ending the war, releasing every hostage and setting the stage for post-war governance and redevelopment of Gaza.

“There needs to be clear red lines for all parties: Every hostage must come home. No return to war. No role in governance for Hamas in Gaza. No rehabilitation of Hezbollah in Lebanon. No settlements or land grabs. Credible, regional, achievable post-war plans that sideline terrorism and extremism and deliver safety and freedom for all.

“Actions and comments by the White House in recent days have imperiled the ceasefires and strengthened pro-war forces in the region. These include statements that seem to advocate ethnic cleansing in Gaza – a suggestion to “clear out” millions of civilians – as well as halts to security and funding for aid programs that support peace and stability in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank. 

“The Jewish community and many others – our partners in the Muslim and Arab community, for instance – are deeply concerned by the actions of this administration in its first two weeks. That said, we will urge the President to use his power to keep the peace, ensure every hostage comes home, and hammer out a workable post-war plan that delivers peace, safety and freedom to all.”