White House Meeting: Netanyahu to See Trump as Israel-Hamas Tensions Continue
Israeli PM Netanyahu will visit Trump at the White House on Feb 4, as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire remains uncertain. Key discussions are expected.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on February 4. This will be the first official visit from a foreign leader during Trump’s second term.
Netanyahu’s office announced the meeting on Tuesday, and the White House later confirmed it. Trump had previously mentioned that Netanyahu would visit him “very soon” but had not given a specific date.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal
This meeting follows a major agreement between Israel and Hamas, where both sides agreed to pause their 15-month-long conflict in Gaza. As part of the deal, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, while Israel will free dozens of Palestinian prisoners.
Negotiators are set to meet again next week to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire. Businessman Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, played a key role in securing the initial agreement.
Trump’s Policy Changes on Israel
Since taking office, Trump has reversed some of the Biden administration’s policies regarding Israel. On Saturday, he lifted restrictions on the sale of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. The Biden administration had imposed these limits in an attempt to reduce destruction in Gaza.
Trump has also proposed a plan to relocate Palestinian refugees to Egypt and Jordan as many displaced residents prepare to return to their damaged homes. The war, which began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas attacked Israel, has led to nearly 47,000 Palestinian deaths. The attack by Hamas initially killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 200 hostages being taken.
Trump and Netanyahu’s Strong Relationship
During Trump’s first term, he and Netanyahu had a close relationship. One of Trump’s most significant moves was relocating the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This decision was widely supported in Israel but seen as controversial by the Palestinian Authority.
As tensions continue in the Middle East, Trump’s policies signal strong support for Israel, and Netanyahu’s visit is expected to strengthen their alliance further.
