Netanyahu Visits Washington for Key Meeting with President Trump

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at Blair House in Washington on Sunday evening, ahead of an important meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. This marks a significant diplomatic moment, as it will be President Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since his inauguration. Netanyahu expressed that this reflects the strength of the Israeli-American alliance and their personal friendship.

During the meeting, Netanyahu plans to discuss several pressing issues, including Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas, the release of hostages, and the broader Iranian terror axis. Additionally, Netanyahu intends to address the topic of normalization with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the goal of expanding the circle of peace in the Middle East. "I will look to broaden the circle of peace and achieve a remarkable era of peace through strength," Netanyahu stated.

This visit is notable as it marks Netanyahu’s 14th stay at Blair House, more than any other foreign leader since the building was established in the 19th century. A spokesperson for Netanyahu, Omer Dostri, highlighted the aspiration for peace, noting that while the situation is challenging, progress remains possible.

One of the key issues discussed will be Israel’s efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia. However, this goal faces new obstacles, particularly since Saudi Arabia has demanded an end to the war in Gaza as a precondition for any talks on normalization. According to Dostri, normalization would have been easier without the current conflict, but Israel’s continued military efforts in Gaza could potentially advance these talks.

"Here in the region, 'the strongest survive,’" said Dostri. "When countries see Israel annihilating its enemies, it brings normalization closer."

A significant demand from Saudi Arabia is that Israel present a path towards the creation of a Palestinian state. However, Israel views the Palestinian Authority (PA) with suspicion, seeing it as a hostile entity due to its ongoing efforts to challenge Israel through legal channels, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Another major topic on the agenda will be the ongoing hostage negotiations. Netanyahu and Trump are expected to discuss the extension of the first phase of the hostage deal talks, which is set to release 33 hostages, some of whom are confirmed to have died in captivity. The discussions will focus on continuing the ceasefire while Hamas releases more hostages, without agreeing to Hamas’s demand for a full halt to the war.

Netanyahu will meet with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, on Monday to discuss the next phase of the hostage negotiations. Witkoff and the Trump administration are expected to take a more active role in these negotiations, contrasting with the Biden administration’s more hands-off approach.