Shalom

Israeli PM Netanyahu and President Trump put their heads together at Pennsylvania Ave on Monday.

The allies discussed the war in Gaza, including how to return the remaining 59 Hamas-held hostages and Trump’s “bold vision” for a post-war Gaza (relocating Palestinians as the area is rebuilt under U.S. control).

Trade was also on the discussion table. Uncle Sam hit Israel with a 17% tariff last week, but Netanyahu promised to be “a model for many countries” by eliminating the trade deficit with the U.S.

During the visit, Trump announced that “direct talks with Iran” over its nuclear ambitions will begin this Saturday. The president said Tehran “can’t have a nuclear weapon,” and if talks don’t go well, Iran will “be in great danger.” Iran confirmed the meeting, but said Saturday would only be “indirect high-level talks.”

Verse to consider when the stakes are high and you want the best negotiator in your corner… “If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.”
Romans 8:31-34 (CSB) (read full passage)