Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning to visit Washington next week to meet with President Donald Trump, according to people familiar with the matter, as the leaders look to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza.
The meeting is not yet finalized and may not come together in that time frame, the people said on condition of anonymity to discuss the plans. The early sit-down would come at a critical time, just weeks until the end of the first phase of the pause in fighting. Skeptics have questioned whether the deal will hold through its second phase, which would ultimately lead to a permanent end to the war in Gaza.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, is expected to travel to Israel this week to discuss the prospect of securing a longer-term solution to the conflict, according to Israeli television.
More than 30 hostages held by Hamas are slated to be returned to Israel during the six-week truce, in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners. More humanitarian aid is entering Gaza during the stretch, with roughly 600 trucks per day delivering supplies.
Trump last weekend floated the idea of relocating Palestinian refugees to neighboring Arab countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, with much of Gaza devastated by air strikes. The suggestion was swiftly rejected by both nations, which have said Palestinians must be allowed to return to their homes.
Trump has indicated he’s willing to give wider latitude for Israel to carry out military strikes in the region compared to former President Joe Biden. The White House removed a hold on 2,000-pound bombs put in place under the previous administration out of fear that the weapons could add to the civilian death toll in Gaza.
The president repeatedly warned Hamas prior to the latest ceasefire agreement there would be “hell to pay” if Israeli hostages weren’t released before his inauguration.
Netanyahu and Trump had a close relationship during the U.S. president’s first term. Trump was critical of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas during the 2024 presidential campaign but the two have exchanged complimentary words since Trump won a second term, and Netanyahu’s wife visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club for dinner.
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Source: American Military News
