Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Sunday, where he is set to meet with senior US officials and US President Donald Trump in a high-level diplomatic visit.
I’m leaving for a very important meeting with @realDonaldTrump in Washington.The fact that this would be President Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since his inauguration is telling.I think it’s a testimony to the strength of the Israeli-American alliance. It’s… pic.twitter.com/wWYrC7mYrF
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 2, 2025
Before boarding his flight, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating:
“I am now heading to Washington for a very important meeting with President Trump.The fact that this will be his first meeting with a foreign leader since his inauguration holds great significance for the State of Israel.”
“First and foremost, it reflects the strength of the alliance between Israel and the United States. Secondly, it highlights the depth of our bond—a bond that has already yielded great achievements for Israel and the region, including the historic peace agreements between Israel and four Arab states—the Abraham Accords, led by President Trump.”
“I believe that in our meetings, we will also discuss the critical issues before us—the defeat of Hamas, the return of all our hostages, and confronting the Iranian axis in all its forms—an axis that threatens not only Israel’s security but also the Middle East and the entire world.”
“The decisions we have made during the war, combined with the heroism of IDF soldiers, have already transformed the Middle East beyond recognition. I believe that through intensive work with President Trump, we can push these changes even further for the better.”
“We have the opportunity to strengthen Israel’s security, expand the circle of peace, and usher in an era of prosperity, security, and peace through strength. The strength of our soldiers, the resilience of our citizens, the power of Israel, and the unwavering alliance between Israel and the United States will be the foundation of this new era,” he concluded.
Netanyahu will stay at the Blair House, the official US President’s guest house. This is a notably important gift from Trump to Netanyahu.
Numerous key meetings
During these days, he will meet with officials throughout the US political echelon: The Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, National Security Advisor, and senior members of Congress.
The most important meeting, however, will be between Netanyahu and Trump on Tuesday. Netanyahu will try to convince Trump to bring the “hell’ that he promised in order to secure a second phase of the deal.
Sources who spoke with Trump’s Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff, got the impression that Trump wants to continue the deal. However, Netanyahu will insist that Trump brings “hell” in order to get a better deal out of the second phase and a deal that does not leave Hamas in power.
They will also discuss Iran, normalization with Saudi Arabia, and other topics that Netanyahu mentioned in his statements.
The main topics, however, will be hostages and striking Iran, which Netanyahu wants this year. Will Trump help or tell Netanyahu to take a more diplomatic approach? We’ll know in a few days time.
Dr. Mordechai Duvdevani, head of Ein Kerem’s Endourology Unit, will join the flight.
Also, Minister Ron Dermer, Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch and the foreign policy adviser for PM Ophir Falk are on the flight.
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