US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week amidst a critical juncture for the Middle East. The meetings come as talks are expected to start on a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, which would turn a temporary truce into a more permanent cessation of hostilities.
Netanyahu’s visit marks an important moment in the US-Israel alliance, with both leaders aiming to strengthen cooperation and address regional issues. The Israeli leader is expected to discuss key topics such as curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, supporting armed proxies on Israel’s borders, and the possibility of formal ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The Gaza ceasefire deal has seen significant progress in recent weeks, including the release of 13 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, questions surrounding the next phase remain unresolved. Netanyahu had vowed to destroy Hamas’s military capabilities, but images of gun-toting militants during hostage handovers have raised concerns about the group’s control in Gaza.
The US and its regional partners are working together to ensure the full implementation of the agreement. The trial stage of a US-brokered ceasefire for Lebanon is set to expire on February 18, with both Israel and Hezbollah expected to vacate the southern part of that country by then.
Netanyahu’s visit comes as tensions in the region continue to ebb and flow. An Israeli aircraft fired towards a vehicle in Gaza on Sunday, sparking concerns about the fragile situation on the ground. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s leader has called for pressure on the US to ensure compliance with the Lebanon truce terms.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/02/world/europe/netanyahu-trump-israel-washington.html