Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to US President Donald Trump for inviting him as the first foreign leader to visit the White House following Trump’s second-term inauguration. Netanyahu hailed Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” during a joint press conference on Tuesday.
“I’m honored that you invited me to be the first foreign leader to visit the White House in your second term,” Netanyahu said. “This is a testament to your friendship and support for the Jewish state and the Jewish people.” He further emphasized Trump’s unmatched support for Israel, adding, “I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again—you are the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House. The people of Israel have enormous respect for you.”
Netanyahu also spoke on Israel’s security, asserting that “Israel has never been stronger, and Iran’s terror axis has never been weaker.” However, he stressed the importance of completing the necessary work to secure Israel’s future and achieve peace in the region.
Discussing the situation in Gaza, Netanyahu laid out three primary objectives for Israel: dismantling Hamas’s military and governance capabilities, securing the release of all Israeli hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
He added, “In Gaza, Israel has three goals: destroy Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, secure the release of all of our hostages, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”
Netanyahu arrived in the US on Sunday to discuss the Gaza ceasefire agreement and future Middle East plans with President Trump. He is also scheduled to meet with US military leaders and members of Congress over the coming days. Upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Israeli flags were displayed around the area.