Netanyahu Visits Trump in Washington to Bolster US-Israel Ties “`
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to the United States on Sunday for a meeting with President Trump, aiming to bolster relations with the U.S. government following strained ties with the Biden administration over the Gaza conflict.
Netanyahu’s visit to Washington occurs while a ceasefire with Hamas, including prisoner releases, remains in effect, with negotiations for a second phase anticipated to begin this week. He is the first foreign leader to meet Trump since his inauguration on January 20th.
“This first meeting with a foreign leader since his inauguration is highly significant for Israel,” Netanyahu stated.
“It underscores the strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance and our strong bond, a connection that has already yielded significant benefits for Israel and the region, including the historic Abraham Accords brokered by President Trump,” the prime minister added.
This visit comes almost 16 months after the start of the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which prompted Israeli military retaliation.
“Our wartime decisions, coupled with the IDF’s bravery, have already transformed the Middle East beyond recognition,” Netanyahu said. “I believe that through collaboration with President Trump, we can further improve the situation.”
“Our actions and the courage of our soldiers have redrawn the regional map. But working with President Trump, we can redraw it even more favorably,” he continued.
Netanyahu and former President Trump had a tense relationship during the previous U.S. administration, and the Israeli prime minister hadn’t visited the White House since returning to office in late 2022.
“We can enhance Israel’s security, expand the peace process, and usher in an unprecedented era of prosperity, security, and peace based on strength,” Netanyahu asserted. “The strength of our soldiers, citizens, Israel itself, and the U.S.-Israel alliance.”
‘ Yael Rotem-Kuriel and Reuters contributed to this report.