Friends,
Tomorrow, President Trump is set to meet with the first foreign leader of his second term: Benjamin Netanyahu.
The stakes of this meeting couldn’t be higher. The ceasefire and hostage deal that’s reuniting families in Israel and protecting families in Gaza is as fragile as it's ever been. We can be sure that Netanyahu will seek to use this trip to further bolster his political standing in Israel.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu and his extreme right-wing allies have been clear that they don’t want to see the ceasefire made permanent, with some actively seeking to sabotage it from within. We also know that the Trump team has significant leverage – which was an important factor in achieving the deal in the first place – and that they’re well-positioned to use it to keep the deal together and prevent a return to this horrific war.
Our message to Donald Trump: Don’t get played or spun by Netanyahu. Refuse to take no for an answer. Set clear red lines – all hostages home, no return to war, no return of Hamas – and press everyone to negotiate within those unbreakable parameters.
We’re putting together a petition to make that support known to our allies on Capitol Hill, and I'm counting on you to add your voice to the chorus.
Sign your name ✍️
As the two leaders discuss what comes next for the Middle East – including who should govern and oversee the rebuilding of Gaza – forces on all sides are threatening to derail the progress made thus far.
Hamas is projecting dominance and trying to reassert its control of Gaza. Israeli settlers are seeking to reignite the war by attacking Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Netanyahu’s right-wing allies are continuing to threaten to bring down his government if he agrees to further withdraw troops. All could bring down the deal.
Trump must understand that Bibi is only looking out for himself, and that in order to prevent a catastrophic and politically damaging return to war – in order to make sure every hostage comes home – he will have to stand firm in the face of the spin and press Netanyahu to forge ahead on the next stages of the deal.
To keep the pressure up through tomorrow’s meeting, we must be heard loud and clear. Help us do so by adding your name to our petition now.
Thank you for standing with us. It means the world.
Jeremy Ben-Ami
President, J Street
