The talks will likely focus on starting the negotiations for stage two of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, in which Israel is to withdraw entirely from Gaza in exchange for the release of the remaining living hostages and a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, chief-of-staff Tzachi Braverman, military secretary Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and International Affairs Advisor Caroline Glick at Blair House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2025. Photo by Avi Ohayon/GPO.
After a "positive and friendly" meeting between the Israeli delegation and Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, on Monday, Jerusalem announced it was dispatching a delegation to Qatar this coming weekend to discuss the future of the ceasefire agreement.
Upon his return from the United States, Netanyahu is planning to convene Israel's Security Cabinet to outline his government’s stance on the second phase of the deal, shaping future negotiations, the PMO added.
Netanyahu, who touched down in Washington on Sunday, has extended his visit to the USA until Saturday night, his office announced on Monday morning, citing "many requests by U.S. officials who want to meet him."
The prime minister's Wednesday and Thursday itineraries include meetings with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
