President Trump told Axios he is "likely going to Israel in the coming days" to address the country's parliament, the Knesset, in the wake of the Gaza peace deal.
- In a brief phone interview shortly after announcing the deal, Trump said: "It's a great day for Israel and for the world."
Why it matters: Ending the war in Gaza was one of Trump's key campaign promises, and the agreement announced on Wednesday is the biggest diplomatic achievement of his second term.
What he's saying: Trump told Axios he'd just had a "great" call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- "He is so happy. He should be. It is a great achievement. The whole world has come together to reach this deal, including countries that were enemies," Trump said.
- Netanyahu said after the call that he'd invited Trump to address the Knesset. "I will definitely do that if they want me to," Trump told Axios.
- The White House said earlier Wednesday that Trump could depart for the region some time after a physical exam on Friday.
State of play: According to the deal, the remaining Israeli hostages — 20 of whom are believed to be alive — will be released between now and Monday. Trump's visit would coincide with that long-awaited moment in Israel.
- The deal also calls on Israeli troops in Gaza to conduct a partial withdrawal, and for Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
- Thorny issues such as the process for disarming Hamas and the future governing structure of Gaza still need to be finalized.
Go deeper: How two years of war in Gaza changed the Middle East forever
