Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in US for talks with Donald Trump

Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will discuss “victory over Hamas,” Iran, and the expansion of diplomatic relations with Arab nations during his upcoming meeting with Donald Trump. This will be Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since returning to office.

The meeting, set for Tuesday at the White House, coincides with U.S. and Arab mediators beginning work on the next phase of an agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of dozens of hostages held by militants. Netanyahu emphasized that their collaboration could “strengthen security, broaden the circle of peace, and usher in a remarkable era of peace through strength.”

Hamas, which regained control of Gaza after last month’s ceasefire, has insisted it will not release hostages in the second phase unless the war ends and Israeli forces withdraw completely. Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from some members of his government to resume military operations after the first phase concludes in early March.

In a statement ahead of his trip to Washington, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to defeating Hamas and securing the return of all hostages taken during the militant group’s October 2023 attack. He also mentioned discussions on confronting the Iranian terror axis in all its forms. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza, with a recent strike on a vehicle in central Gaza injuring five people, including a child. The Israeli military claimed the vehicle had violated ceasefire terms by bypassing a checkpoint.