Trump: I will be tough with Netanyahu to end Gaza aggression

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he intends to take a tough stance on ending the war in Gaza when he meets with 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week.

Speaking during a visit to a migrant detention center in Florida, Trump told reporters he plans to be "very firm" with Netanyahu when the two leaders sit down for talks at the White House on July 7.

"But he wants it too… He wants to end it too," Trump added, suggesting mutual interest in de-escalation.

The president’s comments come just days after the conclusion of 'Israel’s' brief but intense war with Iran, which followed a US airstrike on Tehran's nuclear facilities. With that confrontation behind them, Trump sees an opening for progress on the Gaza front.

Earlier Tuesday, the president said he was optimistic that a ceasefire could be achieved "sometime next week."

"We hope it's going to happen, and we're looking for it to happen sometime next week," Trump said before departing for Florida.

Trump, who has repeatedly urged Israeli leaders to "make the deal in Gaza," is seeking to add a Gaza truce to the list of high-profile agreements he's brokered since returning to office in January.

Next week’s meeting will be Netanyahu’s third White House visit during Trump’s second term. His first visit came in February, when Trump stunned observers by proposing a plan for the United States to “take over” Gaza. Netanyahu returned in April for follow-up discussions.

The upcoming visit also follows a rare and controversial comment from Trump over the weekend, in which he appeared to pressure 'Israeli' prosecutors to drop longstanding corruption charges against Netanyahu. He warned that US aid to 'Israel' could be at stake, marking one of his most direct interventions in 'Israel’s' internal affairs.

As diplomatic efforts intensify, all eyes are now on the July 7 meeting to see whether Trump can translate behind-the-scenes momentum into a formal ceasefire and whether Netanyahu is ready to sign on.