Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to visit the White House on Feb. 4 by President Donald Trump, making him the first foreign leader to visit Washington in Trump's second term. The visit is scheduled as the United States urges Israel and Hamas to uphold a ceasefire that has halted a devastating 15-month war in Gaza. Talks regarding the ceasefire's second phase are set to commence on Feb. 3.
President Trump hinted at the upcoming visit during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, without providing specific details. Netanyahu is expected to leverage this meeting to highlight the support he has received from Trump over the years and to advocate for the continuation of weapons deliveries to Israel. Additionally, Netanyahu is likely to seek Trump's assistance in exerting pressure on Iran and facilitating a historic normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
