Netanyahu and Trump Meet Amid Tensions and Domestic Pressures

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump at the White House for a closed-door meeting. The session lasted nearly 90 minutes and was described as “positive and productive” by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. However, further details were not immediately disclosed by either party.

Both leaders face pressures at home: Netanyahu is preparing for reelection and dealing with a strained relationship with Trump, while Trump is pressured to end an unpopular war with Iran. This situation has led to rising economic difficulties, complicating Trump’s stance ahead of midterm elections.

Trump expressed frustration about Netanyahu’s intent to discuss Iranian intelligence, specifically activities at Pickaxe Mountain, a site potentially related to nuclear development. Despite Trump’s threat to bomb the site, he downplayed the urgency, stating, “not a big problem.” He also critiqued Netanyahu for public discussions on the topic.

Nearby protesters criticized Netanyahu, chanting against his leadership. The leaders scheduled discussions on the framework agreement involving the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon, as well as expansion plans for the Abraham Accords, according to a White House official.

The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has fluctuated over time. After announcing their joint war against Iran earlier this year, they promoted their militaries’ cooperative efforts to reshape Iran’s leadership landscape. However, as Iranian forces retaliated, including attacks on U.S. bases and disruptions in the Gulf region, Trump faced considerable pressure to conclude the conflict.

Netanyahu aims to refocus efforts on Iran but recognizes Trump’s lead in the conflict. Israeli journalist Amit Segal noted, “Israel has been put in the back seat.” Netanyahu plans to share Israeli intelligence on Iran’s nuclear program during the visit, seeking Trump’s direction on future steps.

Netanyahu expressed the need for diplomatic resolutions over military actions. He hopes to balance support for U.S. efforts in Gaza and Lebanon with Israel’s strategic interests. In Lebanon, Israel has agreed to discuss with Lebanon’s army securing areas formerly controlled by Hezbollah.

In Gaza, Israel considers permitting an international stabilization force as part of a ceasefire deal. This prospect remains uncertain due to limited international troop commitments and ongoing Israeli military strikes.

Amid these dynamics, Israel faces decreased support in the U.S., partly due to its actions in Gaza. A recent AP-NORC poll shows dwindling American backing for Israel, highlighting domestic challenges for Netanyahu.

Report contributions came from Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Darlene Superville and Seung Min Kim in Washington, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Bill Barrow in Atlanta, and Cunningham from Jerusalem.