Summary

  • US President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House to discuss Iran, Gaza and tariffs

  • Trump says the US is having direct talks with Iran, adding they will have a "very big meeting" on Saturday

  • The president says Iran "can't have a nuclear weapon" and if the talks do not go well, Iran will be in "trouble"

  • The leaders says they are working on a new deal to return hostages, following the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire with Hamas

  • Netanyahu also says they are formulating an economic deal after Trump placed 17% tariffs on Israel

Live Reporting

Edited by Brandon Livesay in New York

  1. Where things stand in the 18-month war in Gaza

    Children stand inside a heavily damaged building in a residential area looking downGetty Images

    In March, Israel resumed strikes on Gaza, following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire with Hamas. Since then, the group has fired rockets into Israel.

    Talks on a second phase of the agreement were due to begin on 1 March, but so far no progress has been made.

    Israel has closed all border crossings into Gaza for more than one month, meaning crucial aid shipments of food and medicine cannot enter the area.

    Netanyahu said in a statement the military have been instructed to take "strong action" against Hamas following their "repeated refusal to release our hostages" as well as its rejection of US proposals.

    The decision to resume military action has not gone down well with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which accuses the Israeli government of “a complete deception” for pulling out of the deal.

  2. What we're expecting to be discussed at today's meeting

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to visit Trump since the tariffs announcement last week. He arrived in Washington DC yesterday.

    Today, the prime minister is scheduled to meet the president at 13:00 local time (18:00 BST).

    We expect the leaders to talk about Iranian nuclear activity, the war in Gaza, developments in Syria and Israel-Turkey relations - as well as tariffs, which will certainly be on the agenda.

    The two leaders will deliver a press conference at 14:30 local time (19:30 BST).

  3. A packed agenda for Netanyahu's second trip to the White House

    Imogen James
    Live reporter

    In a fancy room with gold ornaments on a mantlepiece behind them, Netanyahu and Trump stand next to each other. Trump smiles with his teeth, holding a thumbs up. Netanyahu smiles slightly with his mouth shut.Getty Images

    US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today - marking the second meeting between the two leader's since Trump's term in office began.

    The Israeli leader is heading to the White House later today, and the two have a lot to discuss.

    Today marks 18 months since Hamas' deadly attack on Israel and the beginning of the war in Gaza. Pressure continues to mount on Netanyahu to bring the remaining Israeli hostages home.

    Hostages were being released weekly, but the collapse of a fragile ceasefire deal with Hamas and a resumption in Israel's military operations in Gaza last month means plans to return the remaining 59 hostages have stalled.

    At Netanyahu’s last visit, Trump suggested forcibly removing Palestinians from Gaza and turning the area into a "riviera of the Middle East", a plan the Israeli leader praised.

    Also expected on the agenda are tariffs, with Israel facing a 17% tariff on goods following Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement last week.

    Our correspondent Anthony Zurcher will be heading to the White House, and we’ll be bringing you the latest lines, so stay with us.