Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Sunday for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, where they are set to discuss key regional issues, including the conflict in Gaza, the fate of Israeli hostages, and Iran's regional influence. Before boarding his flight at Ben Gurion Airport, Netanyahu described the meeting as "a testimony to the strength of the Israeli-American alliance." He stated that his discussions with Trump would focus on "critical issues facing Israel and our region: victory over Hamas, achieving the release of all our hostages, and dealing with the Iranian terror axis in all its components." Netanyahu also emphasized his goal of expanding regional peace efforts. "We can strengthen Israel's security, expand the circle of peace even further, and usher in a remarkable era beyond our imagination," he said. The Israeli premier is expected to return to Israel on Thursday after his high-profile discussions in Washington. Netanyahu's office confirmed on Saturday that he would begin talks on Monday regarding a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19. The three-phase deal includes a prisoner exchange and a framework for sustained calm, aiming to establish a permanent truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Under the agreement, Palestinian factions have released 18 captives in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, more than 47,400 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children, have been killed in Gaza, with much of the enclave reduced to rubble. Meanwhile, international legal proceedings against Israel continue. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its military actions in the enclave. — Agencies
