Trump invites Netanyahu to White House as first foreign leader of second term

US President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House next week, making him the first foreign leader to visit since Trump's re-election, both leaders confirmed on Tuesday.

The announcement comes as Washington pushes Israel and Hamas to extend a fragile ceasefire that has temporarily halted a brutal 15-month Israeli war on Gaza.

Negotiations over the more contentious second phase, aimed at securing a lasting end to the conflict, are set to begin on Monday.