Trump Invites Netanyahu to White House Amid Israel-Hamas Tensions
Jerusalem: U.S. President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a high-profile meeting at the White House on September 29. The announcement came just days before Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver a key address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said this will mark his fourth White House meeting with Trump since the beginning of the U.S. President’s second term. He revealed that the invitation followed a phone call with Trump on Monday, adding that their subsequent conversations were “good” and constructive.
Trump invites Netanyahu to White House during Gaza escalation
The Israeli Prime Minister used the press conference to issue a renewed warning to Hamas over the safety of Israeli hostages. His remarks came as Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched a full-scale ground offensive in Gaza City, targeting Hamas strongholds and ramping up pressure on the militant group.
“Hamas has deliberately used our hostages as human shields, placing them in dangerous locations. This is horrifying,” Netanyahu declared. He confirmed that the issue was discussed at length with President Trump during their recent call.
Netanyahu warned Hamas leaders that any harm to the hostages would invite unprecedented retaliation. “If they harm even a single hostage, we will hunt them down with greater force until the end of their lives — and that end will come much faster than they think,” he said.
Netanyahu-Trump meeting to address hostages and Israel’s economy
The White House meeting is expected to focus not only on the safety of hostages but also on regional security and Israel’s economy. Netanyahu faced criticism a day earlier after suggesting that Israel must become increasingly self-reliant. He later clarified his statement, stressing that his comments were directed specifically at the defence sector, which requires more independence in arms production due to mounting restrictions on global weapon sales.
He emphasised that Israel’s defence industry must strengthen its domestic capabilities to ensure long-term security amidst an evolving geopolitical environment.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voices support for Israel
The backdrop of the upcoming White House meeting includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to Israel and Qatar. Rubio signaled strong U.S. support for Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, stating that while the “ideal outcome” would be for Hamas to surrender, it was unlikely.
Rubio added that Israel’s military operation might be necessary to eliminate Hamas completely. He refrained from joining the wave of international criticism over Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, instead focusing on Israel’s security concerns.
IDF intensifies offensive in Gaza City
Meanwhile, the IDF has pressed forward with its intensified ground assault on Gaza City, seeking to dismantle Hamas’s urban network. The military push has triggered deep concerns among families of hostages, who accuse the government of placing their loved ones in even greater danger.
Despite the criticism, Netanyahu remained firm in his stance, reiterating that Hamas leaders would face severe consequences if harm came to the hostages. The ongoing escalation underscores the high-stakes discussions that are expected to take place when Netanyahu meets Trump at the White House later this month.
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