Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he plans to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House this month to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. During a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in west Jerusalem, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of these discussions, which are expected to take place later this month.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, Netanyahu highlighted the challenges of advancing to the second phase of the ceasefire, describing it as potentially more difficult than the first. This next stage is anticipated to begin after the return of the last Israeli hostage from the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian group Hamas has stated that it has released all 20 Israeli hostages who were alive and handed over the remains of 28 who were killed.

The ceasefire, which has been in effect since October 10, was mediated by Trkiye, Egypt, and Qatar, with the support of the US. The initial phase of the agreement involved the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and included plans for rebuilding Gaza and establishing a new governing body without Hamas.

Netanyahu also addressed his political future amid ongoing legal challenges. Despite facing corruption charges and requesting clemency from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Netanyahu insisted he would not withdraw from politics. His request for a presidential pardon has sparked opposition demands that any pardon be contingent upon his exit from political life, suggesting the request implies an admission of guilt.

In addition to his domestic legal battles, Netanyahu is confronted with international charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, citing atrocities in Gaza where over 70,000 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed since October 2023.