Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed Tel Aviv on Sunday morning for a visit to the United States, where he is set to meet with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
Netanyahu stated that the meeting will focus on “achieving victory over Hamas,” countering Iran, and expanding diplomatic ties with Arab nations.
Netanyahu Becomes First Foreign Leader to Meet Trump in His Second Term
This marks Trump’s first official meeting with a foreign leader since returning to office for his second term. Netanyahu emphasized the significance of the visit, calling it “a testament to the strength of the US-Israel alliance.”
The Israeli leader appears to be seeking closer ties with the US, following what was perceived as strained relations during the Biden administration.
“I believe that by working closely with President Trump, we can strengthen security, expand peace efforts, and usher in a new era of stability through strength,” Netanyahu said before departing.
Netanyahu Faces ICC Arrest Warrant Amid Diplomatic Push
Despite his visit to Washington, Netanyahu remains under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2023. The court also issued warrants for former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
While the United States and Israel are not ICC members, meaning they are not obligated to enforce the warrant, all 27 European Union member states—which are part of the court—would be required to arrest Netanyahu if he traveled to their territories.
Trump Moves to Challenge the ICC’s Authority
On his first day back in office, Trump signed multiple executive orders, including one aimed at reinstating sanctions against the ICC. However, Senate Democrats blocked the measure on Tuesday.
In response, the ICC’s governing body issued a statement on Thursday, saying it “regrets any attempts to undermine the court’s independence, integrity, and impartiality.”
Netanyahu’s visit underscores his commitment to securing US support for Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, while Trump’s actions signal a renewed push against international institutions that have challenged his administration’s policies in the past.