Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to begin talks today on brokering a second phase of the ceasefire with Hamas, his office said, as he visits the new Trump administration in Washington, AFP reports.

He was welcomed to the US capital earlier today by Israel’s ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, who stressed the coming Trump-Netanyahu meeting would strengthen “the deep alliance between Israel and the United States and will enhance our cooperation”.

Netanyahu’s office said he would begin discussions with Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff today over terms for the second phase of the truce.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are meanwhile due to resume this week. The initial, 42-day phase of the deal is due to end next month.