President Donald Trump invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Feb. 4 . Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader to meet with Trump during his second term.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed the visit on Tuesday, with the White House later affirming it . Trump had earlier stated Netanyahu would visit “very soon” without disclosing the date . The meeting takes place less than a month after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire . The deal paused the 15-month war between Israel and Gaza in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages . As part of the agreement, Israel will release dozens of Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations will resume next week to finalize the second phase of the ceasefire deal .
Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, played a key role in the initial deal. Just a week into office, Trump lifted restrictions on U.S. support for Netanyahu’s priorities . He removed Biden-era limits on 2,000-pound bombs, which were imposed to reduce destruction in Gaza .
Trump also suggested a plan to “clean out” Gaza, with Egypt and Jordan taking in refugees . About 90% of displaced Palestinians prepared to return to their bombed homes . The war, which began after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians . In the attack, Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis and took more than 200 hostages.
Trump and Netanyahu maintained a close relationship throughout Trump’s first term. This bond was strengthened by Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, angering the Palestinian Authority.
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