Rob Arlett said President Trump and Israeli premier NETANYAHU share the same end
goal in Gaza—Hamas must not be responsible for Gaza’s security, military or
political affairs—but diverge on sequencing. Trump favors a phased approach of
gradual de‑escalation and disarmament; NETANYAHU prefers complete disarmament
before further action. Arlett said Trump’s stance is partly driven by legacy
ambitions, including pursuing a Gaza peace deal and agreements with Iran and
others. Domestic politics—an imminent Israeli election and upcoming US
midterms—complicate both leaders’ positions, and NETANYAHU understands Trump
holds the initiative in the relationship.