White House meeting between Trump and Netanyahu confirmed for July 7

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on July 7, according to Israeli and American officials familiar with the plans, who were quoted by Bloomberg as saying.

The meeting comes as the Trump administration presses its key Middle East ally to bring an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas.

The officials, who requested anonymity as the date has not yet been formally announced, confirmed the planned meeting. Earlier on June 30, the White House said it was working to finalise a date for Netanyahu’s visit. Axios was the first to report the July 7 meeting.

Trump has consistently expressed strong support for Netanyahu, especially in the wake of Israel’s recent 12-day military campaign against Iran. The US president has praised Netanyahu’s leadership during the operation and dismissed the legal cases against the Israeli prime minister as “a political witch hunt.” Backed by Netanyahu, Trump authorised airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities just over a week ago — attacks that he later said had “obliterated” the sites.

Regarding the Gaza conflict, Trump said last week that he believed a ceasefire might be “close” and suggested a deal could be reached within days. However, he has not disclosed details about the possible agreement or specified whom he has spoken to regarding a resolution to the conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel.

Ahead of the White House meeting, Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, travelled to Washington for talks with US officials and to prepare the groundwork for Netanyahu’s visit.

By Tamilla Hasanova