Summoned to Washington: Trump’s High-Pressure Tactic to Secure Gaza Deal

The dynamic of Monday’s White House meeting feels less like a negotiation between equals and more like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been summoned to Washington to hear the terms of a Gaza peace deal. This high-pressure tactic is a deliberate strategy by President Donald Trump to force a decision and secure an end to the nearly two-year war.
Typically, such high-level summits are preceded by extensive lower-level talks to ensure an agreement is largely in place beforehand. In this case, however, Trump appears to have finalized a 21-point plan with Arab partners and is now presenting it to Netanyahu as a fait accompli, a finished product that he is expected to accept.
Trump’s public rhetoric, declaring that “All are on board,” reinforces this dynamic. It creates the impression that the decision has already been made by a broad international consensus, and Netanyahu is the final holdout who must now fall in line.
The recent U.S. public warnings to Israel on other issues also contribute to this atmosphere. They serve as a reminder of U.S. leverage and subtly underscore the power imbalance in the relationship. It’s a clear signal that this is not a request, but a strong expectation from Israel’s most vital ally.
This tactic is risky. It could backfire if Netanyahu, known for his pride and political stubbornness, resents being publicly pressured and decides to defy the U.S. on principle. However, Trump is betting that the combination of a comprehensive plan, broad regional support, and the immense pressure of a White House summons will be too powerful for the Israeli leader to resist.