Netanyahu Heads to Washington Amid Pressure for Gaza Ceasefire

President Donald Trump will welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, D.C. on July 7, an administration official confirmed.

The visit comes as President Trump has begun stepping up his push on the Israeli government to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war in Gaza.

“We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire”

President Trump told reporters, referring to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. He didn't offer any further explanation for his optimism.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump and administration officials are in constant communication with Israeli leadership and bringing about an end to the Gaza conflict is a priority for Trump.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the images that have come out from both Israel and Gaza throughout this war, and the president wants to see it end. He wants to save lives.”

Said Leavitt. Netanyahu's visit comes after Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer's visit to Washington this week for talks with senior administration officials on a Gaza ceasefire, Iran, and other matters.

President Trump has signaled he’s turning his attention to bringing a close to the fighting between Israel and Hamas since the ceasefire to end 12 days of fighting between Israel and Iran took hold a week ago.