WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on February 4, Netanyahu’s office said Tuesday.
Netanyahu is the first foreign leader invited to the White House during Trump’s second term, the statement said.
The meeting follows Trump’s claim of brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The ceasefire came after months of failed negotiations.
After the truce, Trump proposed relocating Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan to “clean out” Gaza. The plan faced strong opposition from Egypt, Jordan, and European governments.
During his first term, Trump often said Israel “never had a better friend in the White House.” Netanyahu echoed this sentiment.
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Their relationship soured briefly when Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on his 2020 election win. Trump, who falsely claimed victory, accused Netanyahu of disloyalty.
Despite this, Trump approved a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel after taking office again. The Biden administration had previously blocked the delivery.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for giving Israel the “tools” to defend itself.
