Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has received an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump for a meeting at the White House, scheduled for February 4, 2025, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office.
This marks Netanyahu as the first foreign leader to be invited to meet with Trump during his second term.
A White House official confirmed the invitation, adding that further details about the time and date would be provided once finalized.
The planned meeting follows Trump’s public claim of playing a key role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, after months of unsuccessful negotiations.
Following the ceasefire, Trump proposed a controversial plan to “clear out” Gaza, suggesting that Palestinians be relocated to neighboring countries like Egypt or Jordan.
This idea has sparked significant backlash from Egypt, Jordan, and several European nations.
During Trump’s first term, he often referred to Israel as having “never had a better friend” in the White House, a sentiment echoed by Netanyahu.
However, their relationship briefly soured after Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on his victory in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Trump, who falsely claimed to have won, accused Netanyahu of disloyalty.
Despite this, soon after beginning his second term, Trump approved the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, a delivery that had been blocked by the Biden administration.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for providing Israel with the means to defend itself.
