Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to Washington next week for his third meeting with President Donald Trump since January. The July 7 visit comes as Trump pushes hard for a Gaza ceasefire deal. A US official confirmed the meeting but refused to give their name. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said both leaders want to set up talks. Trump has made ending the Gaza war his top goal since taking office.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer will visit Washington first to prepare for Netanyahu's trip. Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to meet Trump during his second presidency back in February. The Israeli leader returned again during April for more discussions. Trump shocked everyone during that February visit when he announced America might take control of Gaza. The president wants another peace deal to add to his recent diplomatic wins.
Trump told reporters Friday he expects a ceasefire deal very soon. He posted on Truth Social Sunday telling Israel to make the Gaza agreement happen. The end of Israel's recent 12-day fight with Iran opened up new chances for peace talks. Trump appeared to threaten Israeli aid when he demanded prosecutors drop corruption charges against Netanyahu. The president posted that America spends billions protecting Israel and will not tolerate the legal case.
Fighting continues across Gaza as Israeli forces hunt down Hamas militants. Gaza officials reported 51 people died Monday from Israeli attacks. The war began when Hamas launched a massive assault on October 7, 2023. That attack killed 1,219 people and Hamas fighters grabbed 251 hostages. Israel's military response has killed over 56,000 Palestinians according to Gaza health officials.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer will visit Washington first to prepare for Netanyahu's trip. Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to meet Trump during his second presidency back in February. The Israeli leader returned again during April for more discussions. Trump shocked everyone during that February visit when he announced America might take control of Gaza. The president wants another peace deal to add to his recent diplomatic wins.
Trump told reporters Friday he expects a ceasefire deal very soon. He posted on Truth Social Sunday telling Israel to make the Gaza agreement happen. The end of Israel's recent 12-day fight with Iran opened up new chances for peace talks. Trump appeared to threaten Israeli aid when he demanded prosecutors drop corruption charges against Netanyahu. The president posted that America spends billions protecting Israel and will not tolerate the legal case.
Fighting continues across Gaza as Israeli forces hunt down Hamas militants. Gaza officials reported 51 people died Monday from Israeli attacks. The war began when Hamas launched a massive assault on October 7, 2023. That attack killed 1,219 people and Hamas fighters grabbed 251 hostages. Israel's military response has killed over 56,000 Palestinians according to Gaza health officials.
