Netanyahu Travels to Washington for High-Stakes Talks with Trump

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TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss key regional issues, including the ongoing conflict with Hamas, countering Iran, and expanding diplomatic ties with Arab nations.  

 

The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday at the White House, marks Trump's first sit-down with a foreign leader since returning to office. It coincides with efforts by U.S. and Arab mediators to navigate the next phase of a fragile agreement aimed at de-escalating the war in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by militants.  

 

Since the ceasefire took effect last month, Hamas has quickly reasserted control over Gaza and has made it clear that it will not release additional hostages unless Israel agrees to a full withdrawal and a permanent end to the war. Netanyahu, however, remains under pressure from far-right members of his coalition, who insist that Israel must resume its military campaign once the current phase of the deal ends in early March.  

 

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Netanyahu has reaffirmed his government’s stance. "Victory over Hamas, achieving the release of all our hostages, and dealing with the Iranian terror axis in all its components" will be at the center of his discussions with Trump, he stated before departing for Washington.  

 

Trump’s position on the matter remains somewhat uncertain. While he has long been a vocal supporter of Israel, he has also expressed a desire to bring conflicts in the Middle East to an end and has taken credit for helping to broker the ceasefire deal. That agreement resulted in the release of 18 hostages who had been held for more than 15 months, along with the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.  

 

Netanyahu has welcomed Trump’s approach, embracing his call for "peace through strength." The Israeli leader is expected to push for continued U.S. support against Iran and its network of allied militant groups, including Hamas.  

 

Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, played a key role in the final negotiations that secured the ceasefire agreement last month. He met with Netanyahu in Israel last week and will formally begin discussions on the next phase of the deal in Washington on Monday.  

 

As Netanyahu and Trump prepare for their talks, the broader regional dynamics remain uncertain, with both leaders looking to balance military strategy, diplomatic efforts, and domestic political pressures.

 

Based on a report by NPR 2025-02-03

 

 

[stevenl]

He's going to ask permission for further landgrab. West bank, golan, gaza, all available.

[Nick Carter icp]

11 minutes ago, stevenl said:

He's going to ask permission for further landgrab. West bank, golan, gaza, all available.

 

   That will need to happen for a long term peaceful solution , either than or the Palestinians have to have  a complete change of mind 

[Chomper Higgot]

34 minutes ago, stevenl said:

He's going to ask permission for further landgrab. West bank, golan, gaza, all available.

Trump has already effectively done this when he lifted sanction of violent Israeli ‘Settlers’.

 

https://www.axios.com/2025/01/24/trump-lifts-sanctions-israeli-settlers-west-bank