Netanyahu to Meet Trump at White House in First Foreign Leader Visit of Second Term
Israeli Prime Minister Set for February 4 Meeting Amid Middle East Ceasefire Developments
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader to visit President Donald Trump at the White House during his second term, with the meeting scheduled for February 4, officials confirmed.
A White House representative told NBC News that Trump formally invited Netanyahu, and the Israeli leader accepted. Netanyahu’s office also confirmed the date of the visit.
“I look forward to discussing how we can bring peace to Israel and its neighbors, and efforts to counter our shared adversaries,” Trump wrote in an official letter to Netanyahu on Tuesday.
Key Diplomatic Discussions Expected
Trump had hinted at the meeting earlier this week, telling reporters that Netanyahu would visit Washington “in the not too distant future.”
The meeting comes amid ongoing discussions about the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which followed 15 months of conflict in Gaza. The war has resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread displacement among Palestinians, while concerns remain over hostages still held by Hamas.
Trump has previously suggested that Jordan and Egypt should take in more Palestinian refugees as part of efforts to stabilize the region—a stance that has been welcomed by ultranationalist Israeli politicians.
U.S. Diplomatic Efforts in the Region
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, met with Netanyahu in Israel on January 11, just days before the ceasefire agreement was reached. Witkoff is set to return to Israel this week for further discussions and has publicly stated his intent to enter the Gaza Strip during his visit.
In a sign of Trump’s focus on Middle Eastern diplomacy early in his second term, his first phone call with a foreign leader was last week with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Trump has also suggested that his first international trip as president in this term could be to either the United Kingdom or Saudi Arabia, telling reporters Monday that a decision would be made “over the next week.”
Netanyahu’s Previous U.S. Visit and Congressional Address
Netanyahu last visited the White House in July 2023 during President Joe Biden’s administration. He also addressed Congress at that time, drawing comparisons between the October 7 Hamas attack and the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. During his speech, he criticized anti-war protests and thanked Trump, who was then campaigning for a return to the presidency.
The upcoming meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is expected to focus on the U.S.-Israel alliance, regional security, and next steps in Middle East diplomacy.