Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is flying to Washington with a clear message: Israel is ready to expand peace in the Middle East but will not trade away security or leave terror groups like Hamas standing.

Speaking before boarding at Ben Gurion Airport, Netanyahu said this trip is both strategic and symbolic as Israel seeks to build on its battlefield victories against Iran and its terror proxies. “We have already transformed the Middle East beyond recognition, and we now have a chance to bring a great future to the state of Israel, the people of Israel and the entire Middle East,” he declared.

Netanyahu intends to thank President Trump for his “strong support” during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran, which he described as a “tremendous victory” that proved Israel, working closely with the U.S., can defeat those who threaten its existence. “Our heroic pilots have flown in the skies of Iran,” he said, praising the IDF, Mossad, and Israel’s security services for defending the nation.

He also highlighted Israel’s decisive actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, stating these groups’ capabilities have been heavily damaged by Israel’s military operations, backed by intelligence and strong leadership.

Netanyahu made it clear, however, that despite these victories, Israel will not let its guard down. He stressed that Iran must not be allowed to rebuild its nuclear weapons program and that Israel’s security requires constant vigilance and strength.

On Gaza, Netanyahu reported progress but emphasized that Israel’s mission is not complete. Of the 255 hostages taken, 205 have been recovered, with 144 alive, 30 fallen, and 20 still held. He promised to bring every last hostage home while refusing to accept any ceasefire deal that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza. “Hamas will not be there,” he stated firmly, adding that Israel will no longer accept Gaza being used as a launching pad for terrorism.

Netanyahu laid out “three missions” for Israel: returning all hostages, eliminating Hamas’s military and political capabilities, and ensuring Gaza can never again threaten Israel’s security. “We’ve achieved and will achieve all those things thanks to the courage of our warriors,” he said, crediting the support of the Israeli people and sound leadership for these advances.

Asked about the prospects of a hostage deal, Netanyahu confirmed negotiations are underway with clear red lines and expressed hope that conversations with President Trump could help secure the desired outcome. “I think the conversation with President Trump can certainly help advance the outcome we are all hoping for,” he said.

This will be Netanyahu’s third meeting with Trump since his reelection, and he plans additional talks with top U.S. officials and congressional leaders from both parties to solidify Israel’s position and discuss future regional peace plans.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, traveling with Netanyahu, expressed cautious optimism before departure. “I don’t want to make any predictions, but I expect it will be a good visit,” Huckabee said.

As Netanyahu heads to Washington, conservatives should watch closely. With Biden projecting weakness abroad, Netanyahu and Trump are aligned in seeking real peace through strength, rejecting deals that empower terrorists, and proving once again that American-Israeli cooperation can reshape the Middle East for the better.