Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump was centered on efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, even as Israel continued its military campaign in the Palestinian territory and negotiations for a ceasefire persisted.
Writing on X, Netanyahu added that the two leaders also discussed the aftermath and strategic implications of what he called “the great victory we achieved over Iran,” referring to last month’s aerial conflict in which U.S. forces joined Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
During this third visit to the United States since Trump’s inauguration on January 20, Netanyahu acknowledged to reporters that Israel’s military operation in Gaza was still ongoing, although talks toward a ceasefire were making progress.
President Trump met with Netanyahu on Tuesday for the second time in as many days to review the situation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East envoy suggested that Israel and Hamas were moving closer to finalizing a ceasefire after nearly two years of conflict.
According to Axios, a Qatari delegation, which has been facilitating indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, met senior White House officials before Netanyahu’s arrival on Tuesday. The White House did not immediately comment on the report.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, told reporters at a Cabinet meeting that the sticking points between Israel and Hamas had narrowed from four to one, and he expressed hope for a temporary ceasefire agreement by week’s end.
Witkoff indicated that the emerging deal could include a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living hostages along with the remains of nine others.
In addition to meeting President Trump, Netanyahu held discussions with Vice President JD Vance before visiting the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday and was scheduled to meet with Senate leaders on Wednesday.
“We still have unfinished business in Gaza: freeing all our hostages and dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities,” Netanyahu told reporters on Tuesday.
