Trump invites Netanyahu to White House

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed that US President Donald Trump had invited Benjamin Netanyahu for a meeting at the White House on February 4.

The announcement followed Trump’s recent statement that he planned to speak to Netanyahu, who would be travelling to Washington to meet with him, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the meeting would take place “very soon.” Ahead of the meeting, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, has begun discussions on Phase Two of the Israel-Hamas hostage deal, sources said.

Witkoff, who is set to arrive in Israel on January 29, will discuss with Netanyahu the next phase of the deal, which will include the release of all the remaining 64 hostages from Hamas captivity, some of whom are confirmed to be dead.

Qatar and the US have already started discussions on the issue.

On January 28, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In a statement published by the Qatari foreign office, “The two expressed hope that the hostage deal would reach its second phase and become permanent.”

Netanyahu has stated that Israel would oppose any deal that will officially end the war in Gaza or that will deny Israel the ability to return and fight, leaving Hamas in power.

By Khagan Isayev