President Trump is set to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Tuesday, marking Netanyahu's first in-person meeting with a world leader since assuming office two weeks ago.
The agenda for their discussions will likely include negotiations for the second phase of the fragile cease-fire with Hamas, Iran's nuclear ambitions, new arms shipments, and the potential normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia.
This meeting is part of a multi-day visit by Netanyahu to Washington, aimed at reaffirming the strong ties between the two leaders, especially following a year of heightened conflict between Israel and Hamas that strained relations with President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Trump and Netanyahu previously established a close partnership during Trump's first term. In recent remarks, Trump expressed eagerness for the upcoming discussions, noting that talks regarding the Middle East with Israel and other nations are progressing.
However, analysts suggest that Netanyahu will approach this meeting with differing views from Trump on critical issues, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear threat and the timeline for concluding the ongoing war in Gaza.
The Trump administration has emphasized the importance of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas before pursuing a broader agreement to formalize relations with Saudi Arabia, contingent on a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
Netanyahu's government faces challenges if the conflict concludes with Hamas retaining control in Gaza, and he may seek to delay progression to a permanent cease-fire.
Thomas R. Nides, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel, highlighted the high stakes for Netanyahu, noting that Trump appears to have significant leverage in the negotiations.
Negotiations are currently advancing beyond the first phase of the cease-fire, during which Hamas has agreed to release 33 prisoners in exchange for a reduction of Israeli military presence in populated areas in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
Netanyahu's office confirmed plans to send a delegation to Qatar to discuss the technicalities of the ongoing agreement.
Amid these developments, U.S. intelligence reports suggest that Iran may be pursuing the capability to develop a nuclear weapon more rapidly, raising concerns about regional security.
Netanyahu has consistently warned that allowing Iran to become a nuclear power poses an existential threat to Israel. The two leaders are expected to explore military options to counter Iran's nuclear efforts.
Additionally, discussions will likely include the potential normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia, a topic that has faced complications following recent conflicts in Gaza. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has indicated that diplomatic relations with Israel cannot proceed without progress toward a Palestinian state.
The ongoing war, which began after Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in significant casualties and hostages taken. Netanyahu is also expected to request the U.S. to expedite over $8 billion in pending arms transfers to Israel, which are currently under congressional review.
While the Biden administration had paused some arms shipments amid international scrutiny, Trump has instructed the Pentagon to proceed with the transactions.