A Feast for Predators at the White House

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Benjamin Netanyahu once again tapped into the American president's vulnerabilities during a White House dinner, presenting Donald Trump, who visibly enjoys flattery and sycophancy, with a special gift.

The Israeli prime minister, who is being pursued for war crimes and genocide in Gaza, extended his blood-stained hands across the table and, while offering Trump an envelope, told him: "You are the one who brings peace to the world. So, Mr. President, I would like to present you with the letter I sent to the Nobel Committee. This letter nominates you for the Peace Prize. You absolutely deserve it and should receive it."

Trump, seemingly moved, responded: "Thank you very much. I’m surprised. This is especially meaningful coming from you. Thank you very much, Bibi."

Winning the Nobel Peace Prize has recently become Trump’s greatest obsession, and the U.S. president aims to boost his chances by brokering a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Establishing a ceasefire after 21 months of conflict depends partly on Netanyahu’s cooperation. During dinner in the White House Blue Room, Trump pressured the Israeli prime minister to accept the ceasefire.

Donald Trump keeps Netanyahu close, joins Israel’s imposed war against Iran, and calls for the dismissal of Netanyahu’s corruption trial, yet he still pressures him to deliver something in return: ending the war in Gaza. On his path to achieving his goals, the U.S. president views the Israeli prime minister as a crucial ally. However, whenever Netanyahu oversteps and becomes an obstacle to American objectives, Trump has not hesitated to pressure him bluntly. Now, Trump needs both Hamas and Netanyahu to agree to terms they had previously rejected.

At this dinner, Trump made a clear reference to the bombing of our country’s nuclear sites, saying: "We had a really good time, did a lot of work, and achieved a very good result."

After months of stalled Hamas-Israel negotiations, a more serious push toward an agreement now appears to be underway. Trump wants to ensure the ceasefire deal does not collapse by increasing pressure on Netanyahu during his White House visit.

Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., said: "The president can pressure the prime minister or, if necessary, bribe him. It must be noted that Israel relies on the U.S. against Iran, and given the depth of American public opposition to military intervention in Iran, President Trump has the right leverage to pressure Netanyahu."

Currently, Israeli and Hamas negotiators in Qatar are discussing the details of a 60-day ceasefire, which includes the release of some hostages and allowing new aid into Gaza. The White House announced on Monday that Steve Witkoff intends to join the talks later this week, a sign that negotiations are progressing.

Earlier last week, Qatar’s ceasefire proposal was immediately accepted by Israel. The plan showed openness to one of Hamas’s key demands: a permanent end to the war. On Friday, Hamas announced it had responded positively to the proposal but requested some modifications. Despite Israel deeming these changes "unacceptable," it sent a delegation to participate in the talks.

Regarding the ongoing negotiations in Qatar, Trump said: "Hamas and Israel want to meet, and a ceasefire will be established." The former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. stated: "If an agreement is reached, Trump will try to claim credit for it."

From Trump’s perspective, ending the war in Gaza could be a crucial step toward his larger regional goals, including normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, which he brokered during his first term. Riyadh’s accession to these agreements could encourage other Arab and Muslim nations to follow suit.

Mohammed bin Salman previously stated: "As long as the war in Gaza continues, normalization cannot happen."