Benjamin Netanyahu might have expected better headlines on Wednesday from his high-profile talks with Donald Trump in Washington, as the US president pushes for an end to the Gaza war.

But instead of plaudits, the Israeli prime minister faced mounting pressure to quickly wrap up the conflict back home, after five soldiers were killed in an ambush this week in the embattled Palestinian territory.

Monday night's losses came as Netanyahu was on an official visit to the United States to discuss a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Trump.

But even as he said a deal could be reached, frustration is growing among large swathes of the public at the perceived stagnation of the war, the rising military losses and the lack of progress in releasing the remaining hostages.

"It's time to make history. Bring ALL the hostages home. End the war," the Hostages and Missing Families Forum wrote in a post on Truth Social directly addressed to Trump.

"After 642 days, one more day, or........

© Al Monitor