Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the United States on Sunday to hold talks with President Donald Trump, with discussions focused on the Gaza ceasefire agreement and broader Middle East policies, Al Jazeera reported.
Netanyahu landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, where Israeli flags were displayed across the city. His visit marks the first meeting between President Trump and a foreign leader during Trump’s second term.
Israeli Ambassador to the US, Yechiel (Michael) Leiter, confirmed the visit in a post on X, stating:
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington for a historic visit, the first foreign leader invited to the White House during President Trump’s second term. The U.S.-Israel friendship is strong and is getting stronger.”
Key Discussion Points
Before departing for the US, Netanyahu outlined the primary agenda for the meeting:
- Victory over Hamas
- The release of Israeli hostages
- Countering the Iranian “terror axis”
The Israeli PM emphasized the importance of the visit, stating:
“The fact that this would be President Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since his inauguration is telling. I think it’s a testimony to the strength of the Israeli-American alliance. It’s also a testimony to the strength of our personal friendship.”
He further added:
“Our decisions and the courage of our soldiers have redrawn the map. But I believe that working closely with President Trump, we can redraw it even further and for the better.”
Meetings with US Officials
According to Al Jazeera, Netanyahu’s schedule includes:
- A meeting on Monday (US local time) with Steve Witkoff, the new Trump administration Envoy on the Middle East, who played a crucial role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire deal in January.
- A high-profile meeting with President Trump to discuss security and geopolitical issues.
- Discussions with US military leaders and members of Congress, set to take place over several days.
The visit underscores the deep diplomatic ties between Israel and the United States, with both leaders aiming to reshape policies in the Middle East.