President Donald Trump plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday. This meeting takes place during a politically challenging period for Netanyahu. Discussions will focus on Iran, the peace framework for Lebanon, and the expansion of the Abraham Accords, according to an official statement. President Trump will also host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Netanyahu’s backing for the Iran conflict he advocated has waned domestically, and his government’s actions have seen declining support in the U.S. His relationship with Trump, whom he has called Israel’s ‘greatest friend’ in the White House, appears to be under strain. When aboard Air Force One, Trump responded to Netanyahu’s criticism regarding the sale of F-35 jets to Turkey by stating, ‘Nobody tells me what we should be selling and not.’ On Iran, Trump mentioned, ‘We have a little difference, but pretty close.’
During an Israeli Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated he and Trump would address the Iran conflict, which shows no resolution signs. Recently, U.S. strikes continued for weeks, while Iran targeted ships and American interests. This meeting marks their first face-to-face encounter since a reported heated call in which Trump allegedly called Netanyahu ‘f—ing crazy.’ Netanyahu downplayed tactical disagreements, emphasizing that they resolve differences ‘as great friends.’
Meanwhile, criticism from lawmakers mounts over the handling of the conflict, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by U.S. and Israeli forces. U.S. casualties include four soldiers recently, bringing the total to 18. Reports indicate diminishing U.S. weapon stockpiles and allowances for some Iranian missile and drone passes to conserve munitions. The Defense Department has requested $67 billion from Congress to boost weapon production.
Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, expressed confidence in the U.S.’s capability to conduct operations effectively. When asked if Trump is against escalating attacks on Iran, Waltz stated the president allows room for talks while keeping all options available.
In a recent Fox News interview, Netanyahu shared insights into U.S.-Israeli intelligence collaborations. He emphasized the forceful response Israel would take if Iran launched attacks. Netanyahu also commented on Trump’s condition for Saudi Arabia’s normalization with Israel for a civil nuclear deal, agreeing with Trump’s stance.
Netanyahu will attend a memorial for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, an Israel ally. Graham has been praised by Netanyahu as ‘a great friend of Israel.’
Netanyahu’s U.S. visit coincides with controversy over New York City’s legal authority to detain him if he attends the United Nations General Assembly in September. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for the federal government to consider joining the International Criminal Court, which has issued a warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest. Trump assured that Netanyahu would not face arrest in the U.S.
Netanyahu confirmed plans to attend the U.N. General Assembly in New York City.