Trump said on Sunday there was a good chance such a deal could be reached this week, while Netanyahu said he believed his discussions with Trump would help advance talks underway in Qatar.

The visit will be dogged by Israel's 21-month war against Hamas in Gaza and questions over how hard Trump will push for an end to the conflict.

President Donald Trump was set to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House amid the US’s push for a ceasefire deal with Gaza. The two leaders were scheduled to have dinner in the Blue Room beginning around 6.30pm.