WASHINGTON, D.C. – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump amid ongoing discussions about a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, raising hopes for a possible de-escalation of violence in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s visit to Washington comes as diplomatic efforts intensify to broker a truce, with mediators from Egypt and Qatar reportedly working behind the scenes to negotiate terms between the two sides. Sources familiar with the talks suggest that the discussions include proposals for a temporary ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and potential prisoner exchanges.
The meeting with Trump is expected to focus on U.S.-Israel relations and regional security concerns, particularly in light of recent clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. Trump, who maintained a close relationship with Netanyahu during his presidency, previously supported Israel’s security measures while also brokering the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Ahead of his trip, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to securing its citizens while expressing openness to diplomatic solutions. “We are prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Israel, but we are also open to discussions that bring stability to the region,” he said in a statement.
Hamas officials, meanwhile, have signaled a conditional willingness to negotiate, stating that any ceasefire must include the lifting of restrictions on Gaza and guarantees against future Israeli military operations. However, tensions remain high, with recent escalations threatening to derail the fragile talks.
As Netanyahu and Trump prepare to meet, international observers are closely watching whether their discussions will influence the broader diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further violence and fostering a long-term resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
