Trump to issue ultimatum to Netanyahu: Gaza war must end Report by Israeli media

The administration of US President Donald Trump appears to be firmly committed to ending the war in Gaza, signalling a major shift in Washington’s position after months of ambiguity.

According to Israeli media, during his visit to Saudi Arabia — Trump’s first major international trip since returning to the White House — the US president sent a clear message: the time for resolution has come.

In an interview with Asharq News, US State Department regional spokesperson Samuel Warberg confirmed that Washington is actively coordinating efforts with Riyadh to secure an agreement to halt the war. He emphasised that Saudi Arabia remains a key strategic partner for the United States in maintaining regional stability.

Since the conclusion of the first stage of the agreement announced in Qatar on January 17, negotiations have stalled over one central issue: whether to discuss a permanent end to the war. Both sides have sought to win over US support. Qatar has accused Israel of breaching the agreement and failing to engage in serious negotiations to end the conflict. Israel, for its part, has claimed that Hamas refuses to relinquish control over Gaza or disarm, leaving no room for productive talks. For several months, the US had hesitated between the two positions.

Now, that indecision appears to be over.

Hamas’s recent move to release American hostage Idan Alexander has reshaped the diplomatic landscape, breaking the deadlock and initiating direct, accelerated negotiations with the US over ending the war. Washington and Qatar are now acting in full coordination, and the familiar tactics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—delaying or reframing negotiations—are no longer effective.

The previously discussed “Witkoff framework,” which proposed releasing half of the hostages initially and the rest only after reaching a broader agreement, has been discarded. In its place stands a new plan: a comprehensive, immediate release of all hostages, linked directly to a US-backed ceasefire initiative.

Trump arrived in Riyadh on May 13, where he was personally welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The central topics of their discussions included Iran’s nuclear program, oil prices, and most importantly, ending the war in Gaza. On May 14, Trump is expected to travel to Doha, followed by stops in the United Arab Emirates and possibly Türkiye. 

According to the report, Trump hopes that by May 14, standing beside the Emir of Qatar, he will be able to announce a major breakthrough: the release of hostages and the formal end of the war. If that does not materialise, Trump plans to deliver a hard-hitting speech, clearly outlining the US position and naming those responsible for any failure.

Crucially, the report notes that Trump is presenting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu with a clear choice: either Netanyahu presents the peace initiative as his own and sells it to the Israeli public, or he must publicly endorse the American plan and serve as its executor—effectively relinquishing agency and aligning with a foreign directive he cannot afford to oppose.

By Tamilla Hasanova