WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping to satisfy with President Donald Trump in Washington as early as subsequent week, in accordance with two U.S. officers aware of preliminary planning for the journey.
Ought to the journey come collectively in that timeframe, Netanyahu might be the primary international chief to satisfy with Trump on the White Home since his inauguration final week. The officers, who spoke on situation of anonymity as a result of the planning stays tentative, mentioned particulars might be organized when Trump’s particular Center East envoy, Steve Witkoff, travels to Israel this week for talks with Netanyahu and different Israeli officers.
The White Home had no quick touch upon the plans, which have been first reported by Axios. Netanyahu’s spokesman, Omer Dostri, mentioned Monday on the social platform X that the Israeli chief has not but obtained an official invitation to the White Home.
An Israeli official, nonetheless, mentioned Netanyahu is predicted to go to the White Home in February however didn’t have a date. That official spoke on situation of anonymity pending an official announcement.
Witkoff advised an viewers on the ceremonial opening of a New York Metropolis synagogue on Sunday that he could be touring to Israel on Wednesday to maintain specializing in the ceasefire settlement between Israel and Hamas.
“We now have to implement the settlement in an accurate method,” he mentioned. “The execution of the settlement was essential. It was step one, however with out the implementation right, we’re not going to get it proper — we’re going to have a flare-up, and that’s not a superb factor. So, we’re going to observe it.”
The U.S. officers mentioned Witkoff is especially enthusiastic about advancing the implementation and the discharge of People and others nonetheless held hostage by Hamas in addition to shoring up the delicate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
reporters Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Jennifer Peltz in New York Metropolis contributed to this report.
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