WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in the coming days, with the leaders set to discuss efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, Iran and broader regional security issues, according to U.S. and Israeli officials.
A U.S. official said the meeting is scheduled for next week, while an Israeli official confirmed the planned visit and said the agenda will include the war in Gaza, Iran, Syria and other regional challenges. The visit would mark another high-level meeting between the two leaders as Washington intensifies diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting in Gaza and advance negotiations over the remaining hostages.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the Trump administration remains in constant communication with the Israeli government and that ending the conflict in Gaza and securing the release of the remaining hostages are among the president's top foreign policy priorities. She said the administration continues to work closely with Israeli officials on those objectives.
Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Netanyahu, has been in Washington for preparatory meetings with White House officials ahead of the visit, according to U.S. officials. Those discussions have focused on regional security and ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the Gaza conflict.
The planned meeting comes as international mediators continue efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after more than 20 months of war. Trump has publicly urged progress toward an agreement, calling for the return of hostages and an end to the fighting.
The conflict began after Hamas fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Israel's subsequent military campaign has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, figures that do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The war has displaced much of Gaza's population and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.
The White House has not released a detailed schedule for the leaders' talks or indicated whether they will hold a joint news conference following the meeting. Officials from both governments have said discussions are expected to focus on immediate diplomatic priorities as well as longer-term regional security issues.
