Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is headed to the United States to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire agreed with Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, according to his office.
Netanyahu’s office announced that negotiations for the second stage of the ceasefire will begin in Washington, DC on Monday as the Israeli leader departs for the US.
US President Donald Trump, who has taken credit for the ceasefire deal signed on January 19, is scheduled to host Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday – marking Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since his inauguration for a second term.
Netanyahu’s visit to the US comes two weeks into the first phase of the ceasefire, which involves the release of 33 Israeli captives in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase is expected to address the release of the remaining captives and discuss a more permanent resolution to the conflict.
The Gaza ceasefire has halted 15 months of Israeli aggression in the enclave that resulted in the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians, with more than half of them being women and children, as reported by local health authorities.
Prior to his departure, Netanyahu stated at Tel Aviv airport that he and Trump would talk about “victory over Hamas, achieving the release of all our hostages, and addressing the Iranian terror axis” in the Middle East.
Netanyahu noted the significance of being the first foreign leader to meet with Trump post-inauguration, emphasizing the strength of the Israeli-American alliance.
This trip also marks Netanyahu’s first visit to the US since an arrest warrant was issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November for alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip.
The US, not being a signatory to the Rome Statute, has shown disapproval of the ICC’s actions against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.
Fragile ceasefire
The commitment of Trump and Netanyahu towards advancing the ceasefire remains uncertain. Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition partners to abandon the deal after the initial phase and resume attacks on Gaza.
Trump has given mixed signals regarding the possibility of a lasting peace. Despite expressing doubts about the sustainability of the Gaza truce, he has also proposed controversial solutions, such as relocating displaced Palestinians to Arab states.
Scott Lucas, a professor of international politics, highlighted the challenges surrounding the second phase of the Gaza deal, emphasizing the complexities and pressures faced by Netanyahu and Trump.
There are opposing views within Israel regarding the ceasefire, with some advocating for military action in Gaza and others prioritizing the return of captives. Hamas continues to resist Israeli efforts to eliminate the group from Gaza, while Palestinians reject military occupation.
Occupied West Bank settlements
Illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank may also be discussed during Netanyahu’s visit. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a vocal settlement advocate, has urged Netanyahu to address the issue.
Netanyahu’s early meeting with Trump signifies a shift from his relationship with the previous US administration, which had criticized Israeli actions and paused military shipments. Trump has aligned himself as a staunch supporter of Israel, appointing diplomats who endorse far-right Israeli factions.
