Trump and Netanyahu’s High-Stakes Meeting at the White House

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday. This meeting comes at a politically delicate time for Netanyahu. Their discussions will cover the conflict in Iran, the peace framework in Lebanon, and the Abraham Accords. Trump will also hold a separate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Netanyahu faces decreasing support for the Iran conflict he has pushed for at home and declining backing for his government’s actions in the U.S. His relationship with Trump has appeared tense. When asked about Netanyahu criticizing his decision to sell F-35 jets to Turkey, Trump stated, “Nobody tells me what we should be selling and not.” Regarding Iran, Trump admitted they have some differences but mostly align.

During an Israeli Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu mentioned that he and Trump would review the situation with Iran, which remains unresolved. Recently, the U.S. conducted strikes, and Iran retaliated against ships and American targets. This meeting is their first since a reported heated phone call in which Trump criticized Netanyahu’s actions against Lebanon. Despite this, Netanyahu emphasized their ability to resolve tactical disagreements as friends.

We always find a way to work them out, and we do so as great friends, Netanyahu stated.

Amid this diplomatic turbulence, the U.S. administration faces scrutiny over its handling of the conflict since Operation Epic Fury commenced in February. U.S. weapon stockpiles are reportedly low, and additional funding for military resources is sought from Congress. U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz declared the U.S. has adequate means for the military campaign.

Netanyahu highlighted the strong cooperation between U.S. and Israeli intelligence services. He stressed that any Iranian attack on Israel will provoke a formidable Israeli response.

Last week, Trump suggested Saudi Arabia must normalize relations with Israel to secure a U.S. civil nuclear deal. Netanyahu concurred with this condition.

Netanyahu also plans to attend a memorial for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, a staunch Israeli supporter and advocate against Iran. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s controversial comments about Netanyahu’s potential arrest if visiting for the U.N. General Assembly were dismissed by Trump, who assured Netanyahu he would not face arrest in the U.S.

Netanyahu confirmed his intentions to travel to New York City for the U.N. General Assembly during a televised interview.