WASHINGTON D.C. – In a significant and unexpected diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening. The meeting, which was not previously on Netanyahu's official itinerary for his high-stakes visit to Washington, is expected to focus on long-term strategies for Gaza and a potential broader peace framework for the Middle East, according to a report by Axios.

This private discussion occurs just as Netanyahu navigates a complex diplomatic landscape in the U.S. capital, marked by his upcoming address to a joint session of Congress and a strained relationship with the current Biden administration over the handling of the war in Gaza.

A High-Stakes Diplomatic Maneuver

The unscheduled nature of the meeting underscores its importance. Netanyahu’s visit was already under intense scrutiny, with progressive Democrats planning to boycott his congressional address and ongoing U.S.-led efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. The decision to meet with Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, introduces a powerful new dynamic into the visit.

It allows Netanyahu to engage directly with a potential future U.S. administration, signaling to both domestic and international audiences that he is hedging his bets on American political leadership. The meeting positions him to build rapport and potentially align on policy with Trump, who fostered a close relationship with the Israeli leader during his presidency.

The Agenda: A 'Grand Bargain' for the Middle East?

According to sources cited by Axios, which first broke the story, the discussion is intended to move beyond the immediate crisis. Trump is reportedly keen to explore what a comprehensive peace deal to end the war and stabilize the region could look like, seeking to align with Netanyahu on a post-war vision.

This "day after" planning has been a point of friction between Netanyahu and the Biden administration, which has urged Israel to present a clear and viable plan for Gaza's future governance to avoid a power vacuum. A potential Trump-Netanyahu framework could diverge significantly from the two-state solution long favored by Washington and its international partners. During his term, Trump oversaw the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, and he may envision a similar approach to resolving the current conflict.

Contrasting Relationships in Washington

The meeting highlights the stark contrast between Netanyahu's rapport with Trump and his often-tense interactions with President Joe Biden's team. While the Biden administration has remained a staunch ally of Israel, providing military and diplomatic support, it has also publicly criticized Netanyahu's government over the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

In contrast, the Trump-Netanyahu relationship has historically been one of close personal and political alignment. Trump's presidency saw several policy decisions strongly favored by Netanyahu, including moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. This history suggests a foundation for a more unified approach should Trump return to office.

Why the Meeting Matters

The implications of this meeting are multi-faceted. For U.S. domestic politics, it solidifies the Israel-Palestine conflict as a key foreign policy battleground in the upcoming presidential election. It allows Trump to project himself as a global statesman actively engaging in diplomacy, potentially pre-empting or undermining the current administration's efforts.

For Netanyahu, the meeting is a strategic masterstroke. It provides him with political leverage back home, demonstrating his continued influence on the world stage and his ability to maintain powerful allies in the U.S. across the political spectrum.

As both leaders sit down tonight, observers in Washington, Jerusalem, and across the Middle East will be watching closely. The outcome of their discussion could offer a glimpse into a potential future for U.S.-Israel relations and the elusive quest for a lasting peace in the region.