Netanyahu prioritizes Trump meeting over hostage negotiations
Netanyahu postpones Gaza hostage negotiations to meet with Trump in Washington as Qatar mediators await Israel's next move. Key phase two talks for remaining 79 hostages delayed until after prime minister consults with U.S. president on joint strategy.


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed sending negotiators to Qatar for phase two of hostage talks with Hamas, opting first to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari confirmed the delay, stating Netanyahu wanted to "meet with President Trump first and discuss it with him" before proceeding with negotiations. The talks were originally scheduled to begin Monday under the terms of the current six-week ceasefire agreement.
Netanyahu began his Washington visit with "positive and friendly" talks with Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff on Monday evening, his office said. The Israeli delegation is now expected to arrive in Doha by the end of the week to address technical details.
The prime minister will meet with Trump at 6 p.m. today to discuss hostage negotiations, along with regional threats from Hezbollah and Iran. Netanyahu plans to convene his Security Cabinet upon returning to Israel Sunday.
The first phase of the proposed deal would see Hamas release 33 hostages in exchange for Israel's gradual withdrawal from Gaza and the release of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Eight of the 20 hostages slated for release in this round have been confirmed dead.
Israel maintains several bargaining chips for securing the remaining 79 hostages, including control of the Rafah crossing and Gaza reconstruction funding. With $1 billion in newly approved U.S. military aid, Israel also retains military options should talks fail.
Jewish Breaking News contributed to this article.