Defeating Hamas and more - Netanyahu on his talks with Trump

According to the media outlet, today, on Sunday, Netanyahu flew to Washington. Before boarding the flight, he said that cooperation with the new US administration could change the face of the Middle East.

"(The meetings in the United States - ed.) will deal with important, critical issues facing Israel and the region — victory over Hamas, achieving the release of all our hostages, and dealing with the Iranian terror axis in all its components, an axis that threatens the peace of Israel, the Middle East, and the entire world," Netanyahu announced.

In addition, he and Trump will discuss expanding diplomatic relations with Arab countries.

Also speaking before boarding the plane, the Israeli prime minister noted that he is the first foreign leader to meet with Trump at the White House since his inauguration. This, in turn, is "a testimony to the strength of the Israeli-American alliance" and also a testimony to a strong personal friendship.

"The decisions we’ve made in the war have already changed the face of the Middle East,” Netanyahu declared.

“Our decisions and the courage of our soldiers have redrawn the map. But I believe that working closely with President Trump, we can redraw it even further, and for the better... I believe that we can strengthen security, broaden the circle of peace, and achieve a remarkable era of peace through strength," he concluded.

The agreement with Hamas

Shortly before Trump's inauguration, Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement consisting of several stages.

The first phase began on January 19, 2025, and will last for 42 days. During this time, Hamas terrorists must release 33 Israeli hostages.

Yesterday, Netanyahu said that negotiations on the second phase will begin on Monday, February 3, 2025. On that day, the Israeli prime minister will meet with US Special Envoy Steve Vitkoff. For now, the start of negotiations on the second phase only means that the first phase is going according to plan.