Netanyahu to Discuss Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire with U.S. Envoy in Washington

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Washington on Monday to negotiate the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, his office announced.

Netanyahu will depart Israel on Sunday ahead of his scheduled meeting with Trump at the White House, where they will discuss the situation in Gaza and the remaining Israeli hostages. During talks with Witkoff, Netanyahu will outline Israel’s stance on the ceasefire agreement. Witkoff will later engage with Egyptian and Qatari officials, who have been key mediators between Israel and Hamas with U.S. backing.

The ceasefire, agreed upon last month, involves a three-phase implementation plan that has halted hostilities in Gaza. As part of the deal, Hamas has released 18 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees held by Israel. However, over 70 hostages remain in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s discussions in Washington are expected to shape the next steps in the ceasefire process, as well as broader diplomatic efforts involving regional stakeholders.