The ceasefire in Gaza is one of Donald Trump's great foreign policy achievements since he returned to the White House, and in his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump wants to maintain the initiative and ensure that the ceasefire enters phase two smoothly.
But White House sources say that both Hamas and Netanyahu are reluctant to move to phase two, which would involve Israel withdrawing from Gaza and Hamas disarming and handing over control of the strip to an interim government, AFP reports.
A withdrawal from Gaza is considered a bitter pill to swallow for many vocal advocates in Israel's right-wing government who want to see Gaza governed by Israel and who wave aside any claims to self-determination for the strip of land.
In the meeting, Netanyahu will have to balance demands from parties that form the basis of his government and Trump's intention to portray himself as a global peacemaker, who has staked much political prestige on ending the war.
The meeting takes place at 7 p.m. local time in Sweden.
