Washington: US President Donald Trump, welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Monday, announced that the United States has arranged upcoming discussions with Iran. He also hinted at progress regarding a contentious initiative to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.
Speaking to reporters at the beginning of a dinner between US and Israeli officials, Netanyahu said the United States and Israel were working with other countries who would give Palestinians a “better future,” suggesting that the residents of Gaza could move to neighboring nations.
“If people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave,” Netanyahu said.
“We’re working with the United States very closely about finding countries that will seek to realize what they always say, that they wanted to give the Palestinians a better future. I think we’re getting close to finding several countries.”
Trump, who initially demurred to Netanyahu when asked about the relocating of Palestinians, said the countries around Israel were helping out. “We’ve had great cooperation from … surrounding countries, great cooperation from every single one of them. So something good will happen,” Trump said.
Trump and Netanyahu met in Washington while Israeli officials held indirect negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal.
Following Trump's prediction that an agreement could be achieved this week, Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Washington takes on added significance.
Before departing for the U.S., the Israeli Prime Minister, known for his right-wing stance, expressed optimism that discussions with President Trump might help move forward negotiations currently underway in Qatar between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.
This marks Trump's third face-to-face meeting with Netanyahu since his return to office in January. The encounter comes just over two weeks after Trump authorized strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in support of Israeli air operations. Additionally, Trump played a role in facilitating a ceasefire during the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.
Trump said his administration would be meeting with Iran. “We have scheduled Iran talks, and they … want to talk. They took a big drubbing,” he said.
Trump and his advisers appeared to be attempting to capitalize on the diminishing influence of Iran—an ally of Hamas—in hopes of encouraging both parties to reach a breakthrough in the ongoing 21-month Gaza conflict.
The two leaders, accompanied by their senior advisers, convened for a private dinner in the White House Blue Room, deviating from the customary practice of meeting in the Oval Office, where presidents typically host visiting dignitaries.
