Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming meeting with President Trump is set against a backdrop of escalating violence in Gaza, following Israel's intensified military campaign against Hamas.
Netanyahu to Meet Trump as Gaza Conflict Escalates
Netanyahu to Meet Trump as Gaza Conflict Escalates
Israeli Prime Minister heads to Washington amid renewed military actions against Hamas.
April 5, 2025, 10:06 a.m. ET
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, marking his second visit since Trump took office in January, according to a White House spokesperson. The meeting comes as Israel heightens its military actions against Hamas in Gaza, resuming operations that began in late March, despite attempts by Trump's aides to facilitate a cease-fire and negotiate the release of hostages.
Netanyahu recently completed a state visit to Hungary, where he engaged with Prime Minister Viktor Orban. However, his office has not provided comments regarding the upcoming discussions with Trump. During their previous meeting, Trump outlined a controversial approach for Gaza that involved a U.S. oversight model and suggested the mass relocation of Palestinians from the area. Netanyahu amplified this narrative by calling for what he termed "voluntary emigration," a statement that has drawn significant criticism for its connotations of forced displacement.
The ongoing conflict has seen Israeli forces escalating bombardments and advancing deeper into Gaza, while also restricting humanitarian aid, raising concerns about a developing crisis for civilians. The Trump administration remains a staunch ally of Israel, attributing the resurgence of hostilities to Hamas. In contrast, Hamas has accused Israel of violating the cease-fire agreement that had been brokered with U.S. assistance.
As tensions mount, the outcomes of this meeting may significantly influence the future of the conflict and regional stability.
By Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Aaron Boxerman
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, marking his second visit since Trump took office in January, according to a White House spokesperson. The meeting comes as Israel heightens its military actions against Hamas in Gaza, resuming operations that began in late March, despite attempts by Trump's aides to facilitate a cease-fire and negotiate the release of hostages.
Netanyahu recently completed a state visit to Hungary, where he engaged with Prime Minister Viktor Orban. However, his office has not provided comments regarding the upcoming discussions with Trump. During their previous meeting, Trump outlined a controversial approach for Gaza that involved a U.S. oversight model and suggested the mass relocation of Palestinians from the area. Netanyahu amplified this narrative by calling for what he termed "voluntary emigration," a statement that has drawn significant criticism for its connotations of forced displacement.
The ongoing conflict has seen Israeli forces escalating bombardments and advancing deeper into Gaza, while also restricting humanitarian aid, raising concerns about a developing crisis for civilians. The Trump administration remains a staunch ally of Israel, attributing the resurgence of hostilities to Hamas. In contrast, Hamas has accused Israel of violating the cease-fire agreement that had been brokered with U.S. assistance.
As tensions mount, the outcomes of this meeting may significantly influence the future of the conflict and regional stability.
By Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Aaron Boxerman
