Netanyahu calls Trump 'greatest friend of Israel', discusses eliminating Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called US President Donald Trump the "greatest friend" his country has ever had in the White House as the two leaders met in the Oval Office. The Israeli leader also suggested that the US President's "willingness to think outside the box with fresh ideas" will help the Jewish nation achieve its goals to eliminate Hamas amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Netanyahu visited the White House on Tuesday, with the latter becoming the first foreign leader to visit the Oval Office since Trump took office as President on January 20. Besides the Gaza war, the two leaders also discussed strategies to counter Iran and hopes for a renewed push for an Israel-Saudi Arabia normalisation deal.

During a joint press conference, Trump made a shock announcement that the US would take over the war-torn Gaza Strip, which he referred to as a "demolition site", and redevelop it after Palestinians were resettled elsewhere.

Netanyahu praised the President's announcement, saying the idea could “change history” and that it is “worthwhile really pursuing this avenue”.

Trump announced that he discussed how Hamas could be eliminated during his closed-door Oval Office meeting with Netanyahu, while also suggesting that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon" and would love to be able to "make a great deal" with the Islamic nation in order to avoid a catastrophic situation.