The direct engagement comes as continuation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire remains uncertain. Trump has signaled that he has no intentions of pushing Netanyahu away from a return to combat if Hamas doesn’t agree to terms of a new ceasefire proposal, which the Israelis have billed as being drafted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

Asked about the talks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that "the special envoy who's engaged in those negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not informed of the talks before they took place and was caught off guard, said one Israeli source with knowledge of the matter.