Inside Netanyahu’s Packed D.C. Schedule Amid Trump Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington, D.C., on July 6, 2025, for a critical four-day visit to shape Israel’s strategy in Gaza and bolster regional alliances. The centerpiece of the trip is a high-stakes meeting with President Donald Trump to address the ongoing war with Hamas, the fate of 50 remaining hostages (20 believed alive), and the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords to include Arab states like Saudi Arabia and Syria.

The visit follows joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June 2025, with both leaders aiming to counter Iran’s regional influence while navigating a fragile 60-day ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Trump has pressed Israel to accept the deal, stating, “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE,” while warning Hamas, “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better, IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”

Monday: Strategic Talks and Trump Dinner

Netanyahu’s visit begins with a planning session alongside U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aligning on Gaza ceasefire terms, hostage negotiations, and Iran policy. At 6:00 PM ET, Netanyahu joins Trump for a private dinner to discuss ending the 21-month Gaza conflict, freeing hostages, and expanding the Abraham Accords. Israeli officials emphasize dismantling Hamas, with Netanyahu stating, “We will also need to solve the Gaza issue, defeat Hamas, but I believe we will accomplish both missions.”

Tuesday: Congressional Meetings

On Tuesday, Netanyahu meets Vice President J.D. Vance and senior congressional leaders to discuss military aid, countering Iranian proxies, and regional security. The talks aim to reinforce bipartisan support amid Israel’s 17% U.S. tariff concerns, with Israeli exports facing a projected $2.3 billion hit.

Wednesday: Pentagon and Unity Reception

Wednesday includes a Pentagon briefing with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, focusing on missile defense, intelligence sharing, and Gaza operations. That evening, Netanyahu hosts a “Deep and Strong Connection Between Israel and the U.S.” reception, uniting American Jewish leaders, evangelical figures, and administration officials to highlight U.S.-Israel ties.

Thursday: Return to Israel

Netanyahu departs Thursday evening, facing domestic pressure from far-right coalition members like Bezalel Smotrich, who oppose any ceasefire short of Hamas’s destruction, and public protests demanding hostage releases. Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon emphasized Iran’s nuclear threat, stating, “Ideally, having a strong mechanism with sanctions involved, make sure they are not rebuilding capabilities, that is the preferred option. If that will not work, then we have the ability, and we proved our intelligence capabilities.”

The visit, Netanyahu’s third since Trump’s January 2025 inauguration, follows a January 19 ceasefire that freed 18 hostages but left Gaza’s future uncertain, with 57,000 Palestinian deaths reported. Trump’s push for a Gaza “Riviera” and Palestinian relocation has drawn criticism, with Arab states like Egypt rejecting displacement plans.