Netanyahu Holds Multiple Washington Meetings Ahead Trump Dinner

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held extensive meetings in Washington with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss Middle East issues, including Gaza and broader regional developments. These discussions were part of preparations for a private dinner with President Donald Trump, where the focus was on Gaza, Iran, and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords. President Trump expressed optimism about reaching a permanent deal with Iran and a ceasefire in Gaza, including the release of remaining hostages, with ongoing talks in Doha. Lebanon's potential disarmament of Hezbollah and interest from West Bank leaders in recognizing Israel were also topics linked to broader peace efforts. This meeting marks the third of the year between Trump and Netanyahu, continuing a long history of collaboration, including multiple past meetings and Trump's visit to Israel in 2017. The leaders emphasized the possibility of expanding peace agreements far beyond previous expectations.