Netanyahu heads to Washington to talk with Trump in Gaza War, Regional Security – Media Line

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went to Washington on Sunday to meet with US President Donald Trump, striving to discuss regional security, Gaza War and efforts to release hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu, who is the first foreign leader to meet Trump after returning to the White House, emphasized the importance of cooperation in the United States and Israel in the reshaping of the Middle East.

Before leaving Israel, Netanyahu outlines the key issues on the agenda, saying that the discussions will focus on “victory over Hamas, achieving the release of all our hostages and dealing with the Iranian terrorist axis in all its components.” He added, that cooperation with the Trump administration can further change the region.

His visit comes when Israel moves in the first stage of a three -phase agreement to end fire with Hamas, mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. The deal that stopped hostile action in the Gaza Strip was intended to ensure the release of hostages taken during the Hamas attack on October 7 against Israel. While 13 Israeli hostages were released under the agreement, negotiations on the next phase remain uncertain. Netanyahu is under pressure from the right members of his coalition, who call on the resumption of military operations in Gaza rather than continue with the second stage of the transaction.

Israel also demands a diplomatic breakthrough with Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration is reported to be interested in expanding Abraham’s agreements to join Riyadh, although the Gaza War and the Saudi request for progress to the Palestinian state have complicated negotiations. Trump expressed hopes that the fire termination deal could create an inertia for more normalization between Israel and Arab countries.

The Netanyahu coalition is facing internal tension due to the cessation of fire. The Minister of Finance has been unsuccessful, a leader in the far -right religious party Zionism, called on Netanyahu to strengthen Israel’s holder on the west coast, warning that the war was unable to continue to endanger the stability of the government. The OSMA Jehudi Party has already left the coalition in protest of the cessation of fire, and the Smotrich threatened to do the same if the war did not resume.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Government Coordinator Gal Hirsch accompanied Netanyahu to Washington. Also in the flight was also Aal Heller, a senior cardiologist, raising speculation about Netanyahu’s health, as he had a history of heart problems and underwent surgery at the end of 2023.

Netanyahu is ready to meet the American special envoy for the Middle East Steve Vitcof on Monday to begin discussions about the next phase of fire termination. Reports suggest that Netanyahu is considering the appointment of Dermer to lead Israel’s negotiations with Hamas, replacing Mossad David Barneia director. The Netanyahu service denied these claims.

The October 7th attack from Hamas saw about 3,000 terrorist explosions of Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Currently, 76 hostages remain in gas, including at least 34 confirmed dead. Continuing negotiations aim to ensure their release, while identifying the next steps in the conflict.