Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington on February 4, 2025, to meet with US President Donald Trump on February 5. This meeting marks the first foreign leader visit during Trump's second term and is set against a backdrop of significant geopolitical developments in the Middle East [bf5f81d9]. The agenda for their discussions includes crucial topics such as the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a potential deal regarding Gaza, and strategies to counter Iran's influence in the region [bf5f81d9].
Normalization with Saudi Arabia is a top priority for Trump, who is advocating for economic cooperation and a defense pact as part of the agreement [bf5f81d9]. Netanyahu, on the other hand, is seeking a firm commitment from Trump that Hamas will not be allowed to maintain power in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a stable and secure environment for Israel [bf5f81d9].
In a related development, Trump has lifted a hold on supplying Israel with 2,000-pound bombs, which could be utilized for potential military actions against Iran [bf5f81d9]. Additionally, Netanyahu aims to secure US support against the Houthi rebels, who are perceived as a threat to Israel [bf5f81d9]. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to significantly shape US policy in the Middle East, especially regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader regional dynamics [bf5f81d9].
These discussions come at a critical time, as the normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel have been gaining momentum, with US envoy Steve Witkoff finalizing the agreement's wording after visits to both Riyadh and Tel Aviv [2a01bdfb]. The normalization deal includes provisions for economic cooperation, the supply of US nuclear reactors to Saudi Arabia, and a joint defense agreement, although a ceasefire in Gaza remains a condition for Saudi Arabia's participation [2a01bdfb]. As Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right coalition members to resume military action in Gaza, the stakes are high for both leaders as they navigate these complex issues [82985ee6].