Trump’s Secret Israel Stop? White House Hints at Surprise Visit
Former President Trump may add Israel to his September UK trip schedule, contingent on Gaza ceasefire progress.
Twitter
Washington and Jerusalem are exploring the possibility of U.S. President Donald Trump visiting Israel next month, contingent on a breakthrough in Gaza ceasefire talks, officials from both countries confirmed this Thursday.
The proposed stopover would precede Trump’s September 17–19 state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles. While the White House has not finalized the decision, senior aides say the visit hinges on “significant progress” toward ending the Gaza war.
“The president will visit Britain in September, and it’s possible he will stop in Israel, but it’s not certain and not finalized,” a U.S. official told Ynet. “It depends on developments.” An Israeli official described the discussions as “initial feelers,” emphasizing that “nothing concrete” has been set.
Trump last toured the Middle East earlier this year, skipping Israel in favor of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, where he signed major arms and economic agreements and announced policy shifts, including lifting sanctions on Syria and meeting its president for the first time in a quarter century. At the time, Trump predicted Damascus could make peace with Israel once it “stabilized internally.”
The possible September visit comes amid mounting U.S. pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. Washington has ruled out partial agreements, warning that the “window for diplomacy” is narrowing.