Former President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during ongoing cease-fire negotiations in Gaza. The discussion, which wasn’t officially part of diplomatic efforts, has raised eyebrows given Trump’s political influence and Netanyahu’s precarious position at home. While details of their conversation remain sparse, the timing suggests an attempt to shape perceptions around U.S.-Israel relations ahead of the U.S. election.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a routine meeting—it’s a high-stakes moment where past and present politics collide. Trump’s involvement, even unofficially, could ripple through delicate cease-fire talks and U.S. foreign policy debates. For Netanyahu, it’s a gamble: aligning with a polarizing U.S. figure might bolster his standing with some allies but risks further alienating critics at home and abroad. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has to navigate how this plays into election-year narratives. In short, it’s a reminder that in global diplomacy, optics often matter as much as official policy.