WADI GAZA, Gaza Strip — President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House next week as the first foreign leader to visit in Trump's second term, Netanhayu and the White House said Tuesday.

A day after visiting Saudi Arabia, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff also visited Gaza, according to Israeli media. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Wadi Gaza, Gaza Strip – U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Feb. 4 as the first foreign leader to visit in Trump's second term, Netanhayu and the White House said Tuesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he plans to speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that Netanyahu would be traveling to Washington to meet with him.

The visit by the envoy, Steven Witkoff, was set to take place as Israeli and Hamas officials prepared for a new round of negotiations aimed at cementing the current cease-fire in Gaza and allowing more exchanges of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Trump sent Witkoff to ensure the ceasefire agreement advances to the second phase, which will require hashing out more thorny questions about Gaza’s future.

Israeli PM Netanyahu will be the first foreign guest to visit the White House during President Trump's second term