U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House in the “near future,” Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Monday. The announcement came shortly after Trump urged Israel to maintain a “strong and true dialogue” with Syria.
The upcoming visit would be Netanyahu’s fifth White House trip since Trump returned to office in January. While both leaders publicly project a close relationship, U.S. and Israeli officials have said Trump has occasionally shown frustration with Netanyahu.
According to the prime minister’s office, the two leaders discussed efforts to disarm Hamas and demilitarize Gaza. Trump previously unveiled a plan in September aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, and a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in effect since October.
Earlier, Trump emphasized the importance of Israel engaging constructively with Syria, saying nothing should hinder Syria’s “evolution into a prosperous state.” He added that Israel and Syria could eventually enjoy a “long and prosperous relationship,” as Washington works to broker a non-aggression pact between the two countries.
Syria does not formally recognize Israel. Israel has held Syrian territory since December 2024 and has occupied the Golan Heights since 1967, later annexing it—a move recognized by the U.S. but rejected by most other nations.
Trump has thrown support behind Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, while Israel has expressed concerns about his previous ties to Islamist groups and has urged Washington to limit Syria’s influence.
Tensions remain high after an Israeli strike in southern Syria on Friday killed 13 people, Syrian state media reported. Israel said it was targeting a Lebanese Islamist militia operating in the area.
The call between Trump and Netanyahu also came one day after Netanyahu asked Israel’s president for a pardon in his ongoing corruption case. Trump has openly endorsed the idea and recently sent a letter urging President Isaac Herzog to consider granting it. Netanyahu’s office made no mention of the pardon during its readout of the call. Opposition leaders have condemned the request and demanded Netanyahu resign instead.
