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Donald Trump invites Benjamin Netanyahu to be first foreign leader to visit White House

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House next week, making him the first foreign leader to do so since Trump’s return to office last week. The Israeli government confirmed the visit on Tuesday, with Netanyahu scheduled to meet Trump on February 4.

This highly anticipated meeting follows a period of heightened tensions in the Middle East, including a fragile ceasefire in Gaza brokered by the Trump administration. While the ceasefire has held for now, concerns about renewed violence remain, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon. In his latest remarks, Trump expressed skepticism about the long-term stability of the truce, noting that it is not America's war, but rather a regional conflict.

Trump has made clear his support for Israel throughout his presidency, including military aid and his controversial decision to freeze international aid while maintaining assistance to Israel and Egypt. In addition, Trump recently authorized the transfer of heavy bombs to Israel, a move praised by Netanyahu.

This upcoming meeting comes amid a backdrop of shifting dynamics in the Middle East, where Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to resume military actions in Gaza. The Israeli prime minister also recently thanked Trump for upholding his promise to ensure Israel’s defense capabilities.

The meeting between the two leaders is likely to further cement the strong US-Israel relationship, despite global and regional criticisms of Israel's military actions and the ongoing tensions in Gaza.