Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump may meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C as early as next.
The report from the Associated Press noted two American sources involved in the planning stages of the trip.
The news also comes as Israeli hostages have started being released from Hamas in Gaza as Trump returned to the White House last week.
Trump celebrated the release of the first three female hostages the day before his inauguration in a Truth Social post.
“Hostages starting to come out today! Three wonderful young women will be first,” he wrote.
Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher reunited with their families after being abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, and held for 471 days.
“The three women were the first of the 33 captives expected to be freed during the first phase of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas that went into effect earlier in the day,” JNS reported. “The women were handed over to the Israel Defense Forces by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross inside the Gaza Strip.”
The family of Doron Steinbrecher thanked the people of Israel and Trump for her release.
“After an unbearable 471 days, our beloved Dodo has finally returned to our arms. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and accompanied us along this journey,” the family said in a statement released through the Hostages and Missing Families’ Forum, according to Fox News.
“A special thank you to the people of Israel for their warm embrace, unwavering support, and the strength they gave us during our darkest moments. We also extend our gratitude to President Trump for his significant involvement and support, which meant so much to us,” the statement continued.
Four other female hostages have since been released, with more expected later this week.
Trump also previously released a statement following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones,” he wrote on Jan. 15.
“With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!” Trump continued.