Netanyahu Set for White House Meeting with Trump Amid Gaza Ceasefire

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday, marking the first visit by a foreign leader to the White House since Mr. Trump took office.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the visit on Friday, describing it as "a working meeting and visit with the President."

The meeting comes as a temporary halt in fighting in Gaza appears to be holding. The ceasefire was announced a day before former President Joe Biden departed the White House, with both Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump claiming credit for brokering the deal. The agreement facilitated the release of hostages and brought a pause to the 15-month Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 47,000 Palestinians. The conflict erupted following a Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 people and saw scores taken hostage.

"The President will be committed to the release of all remaining hostages, and they should have never been taken by the brutal terrorists who took them in the first place," Ms. Leavitt stated. "President Trump's working meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister next week emphasizes this continued support for Israel."

Mr. Netanyahu last visited Washington in July of the previous year, when he met then-President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. During that visit, he addressed Congress, receiving a warm reception with applause and standing ovations. His trip coincided with widespread anti-war protests on college campuses, where he dismissed demonstrators as "Iran's useful idiots."

This visit is expected to draw renewed protests from pro-Palestinian groups, who have called for Mr. Netanyahu’s arrest following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Since taking office, Mr. Trump has taken steps to reinforce his pro-Israel stance, including reversing sanctions imposed by his predecessor on far-right Israeli settler groups and individuals accused of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Mr. Netanyahu’s meeting with Mr. Trump is expected to focus on regional security, the ongoing conflict, and efforts to secure the release of hostages.