Netanyahu says he expects Gaza ceasefire second phase to begin "very shortly," will meet with Trump this month

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he expects the Gaza ceasefire plan to move into the second phase "very shortly."

Netanyahu, speaking during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after a meeting between the two leaders, said they discussed how to "bring an end to the Hamas rule in Gaza."

"We finished the first part," he said, adding, "And then we very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu take part in a press conference after talks in Israel. Michael Kappeler/picture alliance via Getty Images

Netanyahu also said he will meet with U.S. President Trump later this month to discuss "opportunities for peace" in the regio