"Israeli" opposition to Trump: No barriers to second phase ceasefire deal

"Israeli" opposition leader Yair Lapid sought to reassure the US ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with President Donald Trump, stating that political concerns will not block the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal.

Speaking from Kibbutz Nir Oz, Lapid dismissed spreading fears that Netanyahu’s coalition objections could stall negotiations, emphasizing that the opposition will back the agreement to ensure its implementation.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu will meet with Trump to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, a deal that has sparked political tensions within "Israel’s" governing coalition.

Lapid reassured the US administration ahead of the meeting, emphasizing that Netanyahu has full political support from "Israel's" government for continuing with the ceasefire deal, despite pressure from far-right coalition members to resume the aggression in Gaza.

Lapid’s remarks aimed to assure Trump that the deal would not threaten Netanyahu’s government. The second phase, which involves the release of additional captives, is expected to be a key topic in Washington.

However, negotiations remain complicated by domestic political pressures as Netanyahu struggles to balance coalition demands with maintaining US support.

Additionally, Trump’s administration has been pushing for a broader Middle East peace strategy, including expanding the Abraham Accords. Saudi Arabia has signaled that any progress depends on ending the aggression in Gaza or establishing a clear path toward Palestinian statehood, further complicating Netanyahu’s position.

The Guardian reported that the meeting also comes as Trump navigates major geopolitical challenges, including trade disputes with Mexico, Canada, and China. Netanyahu’s challenge will be to secure Trump’s support for the second phase of the ceasefire while managing the internal political dynamics that threaten his government’s stability.