Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is traveling to Washington, D.C., for a high-stakes meeting with President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The two are expected to discuss “victory over Hamas” and expanding diplomatic relations with Arab countries.
Netanyahu’s visit comes as the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza teeters on the brink of collapse. Despite efforts by mediators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, negotiations on the next phase of the agreement are set to begin Monday.
In a statement ahead of his departure, Netanyahu expressed hope for a “remarkable era of peace through strength” with Trump. However, the Israeli premier is under mounting pressure from far-right governing partners to resume the war after the first phase ends in early March.
Netanyahu has stated that Israel remains committed to “victory over Hamas” and the return of all hostages captured by the militant group in October 2023. The deal has halted fighting and led to the release of 18 hostages held for over 15 months, as well as hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when thousands of Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, with many more injured or displaced.
Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu will come as tensions rise between Arab countries and Israel over the terms of a potential peace deal. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt are working to broker an agreement that would end the war and return remaining hostages, but progress has been slow.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/netanyahu-trump-white-house-israel-gaza-hamas-ceasefire