Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embarked on a trip to the United States on Sunday to meet with President Donald Trump, aiming to bolster relations with the U.S. government following recent tensions over the conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu's visit to Washington comes in the wake of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which includes the release of hostages, and discussions for a potential second phase of negotiations set to commence this week. Notably, he will be the first foreign leader to hold talks with President Trump since his inauguration on January 20.
In a statement, Netanyahu emphasized the significance of this meeting, highlighting the strong alliance between Israel and the United States. He also underscored the positive outcomes of their collaboration, such as the historic peace agreements known as the 'Abraham Accords' with four Arab countries, which were spearheaded by President Trump.
The trip follows nearly 16 months since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, triggered by an attack from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which prompted a military response from Israeli forces. Netanyahu praised the decisions made during the war and the bravery of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for reshaping the landscape of the Middle East.
Despite previous tensions between Netanyahu and former U.S. President Joe Biden, the Israeli leader expressed optimism about the potential for enhancing Israel's security, expanding the circle of peace, and ushering in an era of prosperity and stability. He emphasized the strength of Israel's military, its citizens, and the enduring alliance between Israel and the United States as key pillars for achieving these goals.
Netanyahu's visit symbolizes a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations and fostering regional stability through cooperation and diplomacy.
