Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is preparing for a potential trip to Washington next week to meet President Donald Trump, according to two sources who spoke with The Times of Israel. While the trip is still in the planning stages and will depend on Netanyahu’s recovery from prostate surgery, the intention is for him to leave on Sunday and return by Wednesday. Netanyahu’s spokesman, Omer Dostri, clarified on X that the prime minister has not yet received an official invitation from the White House.
If the visit takes place, Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader to meet with Trump during his second term. This visit is seen as a gesture of goodwill from the Republican president in recognition of Netanyahu’s willingness to negotiate a ceasefire and a deal for the release of hostages in Gaza. Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, stating that Netanyahu’s visit to Washington would happen “in the not so distant future,” with a meeting date to be set “very soon.”
This week, Netanyahu’s lawyer asked that the prime minister be allowed to testify only once in his corruption trial, instead of three separate times, due to the medical complications arising from his recent prostate surgery. However, the request was rejected. US officials who have confirmed Netanyahu’s intent to meet with Trump next week mentioned that the details of the visit could be finalized when Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, arrives in Israel later this week for talks. Witkoff announced on Sunday at a New York City shul’s ceremonial opening that he would be traveling to Israel on Wednesday to continue working on the agreement between Israel and Hamas.
As Israeli officials made preparations for Netanyahu’s potential visit to Washington, Yechiel Leiter began his first day as Israel’s new ambassador to the United States on Monday. Leiter succeeded Michael Herzog, who completed his tenure after three years. In a statement, Leiter expressed his commitment to fortifying the relationship between Israel and the US, emphasizing the shared values, interests, and decades of cooperation between the two nations. “I am determined to continue to strengthen this unique relationship, deepen the strategic partnership, promote stability in the Middle East, and strengthen the security and prosperity of the people of Israel,” Leiter stated.
Leiter also expressed deep empathy for the families who have lost loved ones in the recent escalation of conflict, noting the “pain of the families who lost their loved ones in the renewed War of Independence that was forced upon us.” He went on to highlight the resilience of the Israeli people, committed to defeating Hamas, bringing hostages home, and preventing Iranian proxies from threatening Israel’s borders. Leiter thanked Netanyahu for appointing him and commended the prime minister’s leadership during Israel’s most challenging days, guiding the nation toward safety.
Leiter also praised President Trump, calling him “a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people,” and expressing confidence in the collaboration between the Trump administration and Israel to strengthen security and stability in the region. “Together with the Trump administration, we will work to strengthen the security and stability of Israel and to formulate an effective regional strategy against the Iranian threat,” Leiter added. He underscored the importance of the bipartisan nature of the US-Israel relationship, vowing to work with both Republicans and Democrats to ensure that Israel remains a unifying issue that transcends political divisions.
{Matzav.com}