Trump Invites Netanyahu to White House as Leaders Discuss Gaza, Syria, and Regional Strategy

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House in the near future, signaling continued coordination between Washington and Jerusalem amid shifting Middle East dynamics. The meeting, which would be Netanyahu’s fifth visit since Trump returned to office in January, comes as both leaders navigate complex issues involving Gaza, Syria, and broader regional security.

According to the Israeli prime minister’s office, Trump and Netanyahu held a call focused on disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza. Their discussion follows Trump’s September initiative outlining a plan to end the Gaza war, which helped lead to the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place since October. While the two leaders have often displayed a close partnership, sources in both countries note that Trump has occasionally expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s political decisions.

Earlier on Monday, Trump emphasized the importance of Israel maintaining a “strong and true dialogue” with neighboring Syria. He said such engagement was crucial to ensuring that “nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous state.” The Trump administration is working to broker a non-aggression pact between Israel and Syria, despite the countries’ long-standing hostilities and Syria’s lack of formal recognition of Israel. Israel continues to occupy Syrian territory gained in December 2024, as well as the Golan Heights captured in 1967 and later annexed—an action recognized by the U.S. but widely rejected internationally.

Trump has voiced support for Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, while Israel remains wary due to his past ties to Islamist militancy. Tensions rose further after an Israeli strike in southern Syria on Friday killed 13 Syrians, with Israel stating it targeted a Lebanese Islamist militant group.

The call between Trump and Netanyahu also followed Netanyahu’s request for a presidential pardon in his long-running corruption case. Trump has publicly backed the idea, recently urging Israeli President Isaac Herzog to consider it, though Netanyahu’s official readout of the call omitted any mention of the matter. Israeli opposition leaders have condemned the pardon request, calling instead for Netanyahu’s resignation.