The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump invited Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to the White House for a meeting scheduled in the near future. The visit will mark Netanyahu’s fifth White House visit since Trump returned to office in January. Although both leaders publicly emphasize a strong personal relationship, sources note that Trump has occasionally expressed frustration with Netanyahu.

Focus on Hamas and Gaza

Netanyahu and Trump discussed steps for the disarmament of Hamas and Gaza. Trump previously announced a plan in September aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, which reportedly led to a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas since October. The discussions aimed to reinforce security arrangements and long-term stability in the region, reflecting Washington’s continued engagement in Israeli-Palestinian matters.

Trump Supports Israel-Syria Dialogue

Trump stressed the importance of Israel maintaining “strong and genuine dialogue” with neighboring Syria. He emphasized that nothing should obstruct Syria’s potential to become a prosperous state. Trump highlighted his administration’s efforts to establish non-aggression agreements, projecting a vision of “long and prosperous relations” between Israel and Syria despite historical tensions.

Syria has not recognized Israel’s occupation of most Syrian territories since December 2024 and maintains claims over the Golan Heights, annexed by Israel in 1967. While the U.S. has recognized the annexation, most other countries have not. Trump’s support for Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Shara contrasts with Israel’s adversarial approach due to Shara’s alleged past ties to Islamist militants.

Recent Military Context

On Friday, Syrian state media reported that 13 Syrians were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting southern Syria. Israel claimed the operation targeted a Lebanese Islamist militant group, highlighting ongoing security tensions. The White House meeting comes at a critical moment, following escalating military and diplomatic developments in the region.

Netanyahu’s Pardon Request Precedes Meeting

The meeting also closely followed Netanyahu’s official request to Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a pardon regarding his ongoing corruption trials. Trump has publicly supported Netanyahu’s pardon and reportedly sent a letter to Herzog last month urging consideration. The timing underscores the intersection of domestic Israeli politics and broader U.S.-Israeli diplomatic coordination.