Netanyahu Hails Trump Partnership in White House Dinner Focused on Iran, Gaza, and Abraham Accords

Netanyahu Hails Trump Partnership in White House Dinner Focused on Iran, Gaza, and Abraham Accords

Emmitt Barry

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised his partnership with U.S. President Donald Trump as the two leaders met for a high-stakes dinner at the White House, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Israel cooperation following coordinated strikes on Iran and a renewed push for a Gaza cease-fire.

Speaking before the private dinner, Netanyahu declared, “The partnership between Israel and the United States — the partnership between President Trump and me — produced a historic victory.” He credited the joint military campaign with halting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, referring to them as “two tumors” threatening Israel’s survival. “We removed them — but like with any tumor, we must keep watch so they don’t return.”

The strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz earlier this summer, which Trump described as “total obliteration,” were followed by a U.S.-brokered cease-fire between Israel and Iran. Netanyahu said the campaign had “changed the face of the Middle East” and opened new doors for expanding the Abraham Accords. “With President Trump’s leadership, I think we can establish a very, very broad peace that will include all our neighbors,” he said.

Trump, in turn, touted the pair’s “tremendous success together,” and noted this would be only the beginning of further achievements. The president has been actively working toward a new Gaza cease-fire and a permanent regional peace plan, telling reporters that “something good will happen” soon with regard to hostages and a resolution with Hamas.

The two leaders addressed the controversial Trump-backed plan to allow voluntary Palestinian emigration from Gaza. Netanyahu characterized it as “a brilliant vision” offering “free choice” to those who no longer want to live in a war-torn region. “Gaza shouldn’t be a prison. It should be an open place,” he said, noting that discussions with “several countries” willing to take in Gazan refugees are underway. Trump added that he’s had “great cooperation” from regional partners, though none have publicly confirmed participation.

In a dramatic moment during dinner, Netanyahu handed Trump a letter he had submitted to the Nobel Committee, nominating the U.S. president for a Nobel Peace Prize. “It’s well deserved, and you should get it,” the Israeli premier said. A visibly surprised Trump responded, “Wow… coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful.”

Beyond Gaza and Iran, the leaders also discussed the future of the Palestinian territories. When asked about the two-state solution, Trump deferred to Netanyahu, who reiterated his long-held position that Palestinians should have full autonomy but not powers that threaten Israel. “No one in Israel will agree to anything else, because we don’t commit suicide,” he said. “We vowed ‘Never again.’ Never again is now.”

Efforts to normalize ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a key Trump objective, remain paused amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The Saudis have signaled that any normalization hinges on a clear path to Palestinian statehood — a condition the Trump administration has declined to embrace fully.

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. He is also scheduled to meet with Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson on July 8. The Prime Minister is staying at Blair House, the official guest residence of the U.S. President.