Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Washington this week for what’s shaping up to be a critical series of meetings with President Donald Trump. The talks come at a tense moment for the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as broader regional challenges like Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Netanyahu’s trip marks his first face-to-face with Trump since the President’s inauguration last month. The two leaders are expected to dive into pressing issues, including efforts to turn the temporary truce in Gaza into a lasting peace. They’ll also touch on the release of hostages still held in the region and plans to stabilize Lebanon’s southern border, where tensions between Israel and Hezbollah remain high.

Speaking before his departure, Netanyahu emphasized the potential for progress. “The decisions we made in the war have already changed the face of the Middle East,” he said. “We can strengthen security, broaden the circle of peace, and achieve a remarkable era of peace through strength.”

One of the key topics on the table is Iran’s growing influence in the region. Both leaders are likely to discuss ways to curb Tehran’s nuclear program and its support for militant groups along Israel’s borders. Another major focus is the possibility of normalized ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia—a move that could reshape the political landscape of the Middle East.

The meetings kick off on Monday with a discussion between Netanyahu and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy. Netanyahu’s office has signaled that Witkoff will take a lead role in brokering the next phase of the Gaza cease-fire deal. The Prime Minister will then sit down with President Trump on Tuesday to hash out the details.

This week’s talks could set the tone for the region’s future. With so much at stake, all eyes are on Washington to see if these high-level discussions can steer the Middle East toward a more peaceful path.