Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington for his second visit since President Trump took office, coinciding with the 18-month mark of Israel’s war in Gaza.
Netanyahu says he plans to discuss the ongoing efforts to free Israeli hostages held in Gaza and address new U.S. tariffs, including a 17% duty recently imposed on Israeli goods as part of broader trade actions.
Back home, Netanyahu is under pressure from former security officials, protesters, and hostage families to return to ceasefire talks—something his far-right coalition has resisted.
During Netanyahu’s previous visit in February, Trump controversially proposed the U.S. take control of Gaza, remove Palestinians, and transform it into a “Middle East riviera.”
Since ending a two-month ceasefire, Israel has intensified its offensive and enforced a five-week aid blockade on Gaza, drawing criticism from human rights groups and the U.N., who say it violates international law. Israel maintains that the measures are aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages and eliminate the group.
The war began after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken, according to Israel. In response, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 50,750 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. In the past 24 hours alone, over 50 people have been reported dead.
One airstrike in Khan Younis killed two and injured nine, including journalists sheltering in a tent. Israel said the strike targeted a Hamas operative involved in the 2023 attack but did not identify the victims. Another strike targeted a site in central Gaza where rockets were reportedly launched toward Israel.
