Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to depart for the United States on Sunday to meet with President Donald Trump, aiming to enhance relations with Washington following previous tensions related to the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader to meet Trump since his inauguration last month, departing as a ceasefire in Gaza remains intact and discussions for a second phase are anticipated to commence this week.

“Decisions made during the conflict have already transformed the landscape of the Middle East,” Netanyahu stated at the airport prior to his departure. “Our choices and the bravery of our soldiers have altered the geopolitical map. I am confident that by collaborating closely with President Trump, we can further reshape it for the better.”

Netanyahu, who is currently facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court concerning alleged war crimes in Gaza, has experienced strained relations with Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, and has not visited the White House since resuming office at the end of 2022.