Israel’s president backs ‘painful’ decisions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a rare meeting with President Isaac Herzog centred on efforts to secure a hostage deal and a ceasefire in Gaza.

The conversation took place just before Netanyahu’s departure for Washington, where he is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.

Herzog emphasised the stakes of the moment.

“In his visit to Washington, the prime minister carries with him an important mission — advancing a deal to bring all our hostages home,” Herzog said in a statement. “I fully support these efforts, even when they involve difficult, complex, and painful decisions… The cost is not simple, but I am confident that the cabinet and the security establishment will rise to the challenge.”

Herzog also voiced support for the Israeli negotiating team travelling to Doha and urged global pressure to achieve progress quickly. “We have no time to waste,” he said, calling on “world leaders and international partners to use their full influence to help achieve a breakthrough.”

The president thanked Trump for his “unwavering support for Israel” and his role in confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He also expressed hope that Netanyahu’s trip might lead to expanded regional ties. According to Herzog’s office, the two discussed “opportunities to deepen ties with additional countries, in the spirit of Trump’s Abraham Accords initiative.”

Media reports indicate the ceasefire will last 60 days and include the phased release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies. In exchange, Israel will release an unspecified number of Palestinian security prisoners. The deal contains mechanisms for humanitarian aid and a gradual redeployment of Israeli forces in the Strip. Hamas is expected to provide information on the remaining hostages, and Israel will disclose data on Palestinians detained or killed since October 7. The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar will act as guarantors.

Netanyahu’s July 7 trip will be his third meeting with Trump since the U.S. President returned to office in January. The Prime Minister will also meet with Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defence Pete Hasegawa, Congressional leaders, and other senior Trump administration officials.

Trump has intensified his push for a Gaza deal. However, talks remain stalled, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to the war and Israel insisting on a temporary truce that preserves its right to resume fighting.

Netanyahu’s discussions are also expected to focus on the next steps with Iran, thawing Israeli-Syrian relations, and finalising elements of a U.S.-Israel trade agreement.

At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 50 remaining hostages, around 30 are believed to be dead.