US President Donald Trump is all set to host Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next Monday at the White House, as the American leader stepped up his effort to broker a ceasefire between Israeli government and Gaza based militant group Hamas and return of hostages, to end the almost two-year war.
Two US administration officials confirmed the development, reported Associated Press. The trip by Netanyahu would be his third to the White House since President Trump returned to the office in January, and it comes after the US joined Israel’s offensive against Iran and attacked three of its nuclear sites, namely Fordow, Isfahan, Natanz.
Trump helped broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran last week and the 12-day conflict came to an end after much hostilities. The US leader is now eyeing the ongoing Israel, Hamas war to bring a close to the fighting which started in October 2023.
On Friday, Trump told reporters that “We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire in Gaza,” but refrained from providing detail or further explanation as to how he would achieve it.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that Trump and administration officials have been in constant communication with Israeli leadership in order to bring about an end to the conflict in Gaza, which has been the priority of the president.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the images that have come out from both Israel and Gaza throughout this war, and the president wants to see it end. He wants to save lives,” Leavitt said, reported AP.
Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is in Washington this week to discuss the modalities of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, Iran and other matters.
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About 50 hostages are still believed to be in Hamas’ captivity in Gaza, with less than half believed to be alive. Talks between Israel and Hamas keep faltering over whether the war should end as part of any ceasefire agreement.
