Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his talks this week with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington centred on securing the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and on “eliminating” Hamas’s military and governing capabilities. The meeting at the White House was the second in 24 hours, underscoring what Netanyahu called “full coordination” between the two leaders on Gaza strategy. Netanyahu told reporters on Capitol Hill that both he and Trump want a cease-fire agreement but “not at any price,” citing Israel’s security requirements. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has said Israel and Hamas are edging closer to a 60-day truce that would see the militants free 10 hostages initially, part of wider talks in Doha. Israel says 49 of the 251 people seized on 7 October 2023 remain in captivity, among them 27 believed dead. Rejecting reports of a forced relocation plan, Netanyahu said Palestinians should have the “freedom of choice” to leave Gaza but would not be expelled. During his Washington visit he also met bipartisan Senate leaders and thanked U.S. officials for recent military support, stressing that sustained pressure on Hamas remains essential to ensure Gaza can no longer threaten Israel.