U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House next week, though the exact date is yet to be confirmed. Netanyahu is the first foreign leader invited during Trump’s second term, signaling the importance of their discussions.
Key topics include the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which began on January 19. Trump is eager to see the agreement fully implemented, while Netanyahu faces pressure from right-wing coalition members to resume fighting. The Otzma Yehudit party has already left the government in protest, with others threatening to follow.
Reports suggest Washington is offering incentives to maintain the ceasefire, including lifting restrictions on U.S. arms deliveries, supporting Israel’s decision to cut ties with the UN’s Palestinian relief agency, and backing efforts to block an arrest warrant for Netanyahu at the International Criminal Court.
Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff, has met with regional leaders, including Palestinian Authority officials, to push for further negotiations. Witkoff may also visit Gaza to oversee ceasefire implementation.
Netanyahu, still recovering from surgery, must request a pause in his corruption trial to attend the meeting. He is expected to seek Trump’s support for continuing military operations and broader regional coordination.
