Trump Says There’s A ‘Good Chance’ For Middle East Peace Ahead Of Netanyahu Meeting
President Donald Trump voiced optimism on Sunday that a breakthrough toward Middle East peace could be near, just hours before his scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The two leaders are set to sit down at 11:00 a.m. ET on Monday, followed by a joint press conference in the afternoon.
In remarks to NBC News, Trump suggested progress had been made in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. “We’re doing very well. It looks like there is a really good chance for peace in the Middle East,” he said. “Everybody is on board. Everybody.”
That optimism carried over into a Sunday morning post on Truth Social, where the president wrote: “We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!”
Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump’s tone during an appearance on Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream, describing ongoing talks as “complicated” but productive. “I think the president’s optimism is warranted here. I feel more optimistic about where we are right now than where we have been at any point in the last few months,” Vance said. He outlined three priorities for the administration: the return of all hostages, the elimination of Hamas as a terror threat to Israel, and the flow of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. “I think we are close to accomplishing all three objectives,” he added.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are spearheading the negotiations for the administration.
Trump stressed his personal involvement during a speech at the United Nations last week, saying he was “deeply engaged” in efforts to bring about a ceasefire. He criticized countries that have moved toward recognizing a Palestinian state, warning that such actions would “reward Hamas terrorists for their atrocities.”
“Instead of giving in to Hamas’s ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: release the hostages now,” Trump said.
Roughly 50 hostages remain in Hamas captivity after being seized during the October 7 attacks, though intelligence estimates suggest only about 20 are still alive.