In a historic meeting set against the backdrop of rising tensions in the region, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump this week. Arriving in Washington, Netanyahu aims to engage in critical discussions regarding the future of Gaza and broader regional challenges that have emerged after the significant October 2023 Hamas assault on Israel, which ignited a prolonged conflict that has affected both Gaza and Lebanon.
Netanyahu's Crucial Visit to Washington: A Turning Point for the Middle East
Netanyahu's Crucial Visit to Washington: A Turning Point for the Middle East
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington for pivotal discussions with President Trump amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.
Before his departure on Sunday, Netanyahu underscored his determination to expand peace efforts, asserting, “The decisions we made in the war have already changed the face of the Middle East.” He highlighted the goal of fostering security and achieving lasting peace through a strategy of strength. This visit marks Netanyahu's status as the first foreign leader to meet with President Trump following his inauguration in January.
Negotiations aimed at establishing a long-term cease-fire in Gaza are anticipated to commence on Monday, transforming the preceding temporary truce into a solid peace agreement along with the release of hostages. Simultaneously, discussions surrounding the cease-fire in Lebanon are set to conclude by February 18, requiring both the Israeli army and Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
Central topics for these discussions will include addressing Iranian threats, focusing on curbing its nuclear ambitions, and exploring possibilities for formal diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu has stated that assurances for victory over Hamas and hostage releases will be prioritized in his talks with Trump.
Initially, Netanyahu will meet with Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, at the onset of the negotiations. A prior phone conversation on Saturday established the framework for their upcoming discussions.
As anticipation builds for the outcomes of these high-stakes talks, the implications for Israel and the Middle East remain profound.
Isabel Kershner has been covering Israeli and Palestinian matters for The New York Times since 1990.
Negotiations aimed at establishing a long-term cease-fire in Gaza are anticipated to commence on Monday, transforming the preceding temporary truce into a solid peace agreement along with the release of hostages. Simultaneously, discussions surrounding the cease-fire in Lebanon are set to conclude by February 18, requiring both the Israeli army and Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
Central topics for these discussions will include addressing Iranian threats, focusing on curbing its nuclear ambitions, and exploring possibilities for formal diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu has stated that assurances for victory over Hamas and hostage releases will be prioritized in his talks with Trump.
Initially, Netanyahu will meet with Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, at the onset of the negotiations. A prior phone conversation on Saturday established the framework for their upcoming discussions.
As anticipation builds for the outcomes of these high-stakes talks, the implications for Israel and the Middle East remain profound.
Isabel Kershner has been covering Israeli and Palestinian matters for The New York Times since 1990.
