President Donald Trump plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday. This meeting comes at a politically sensitive time for Netanyahu. The discussions will focus on the conflict in Iran, the peace framework in Lebanon, and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, an official stated. On the same day, Trump will also meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Netanyahu faces declining support at home for the war in Iran and waning approval for his government’s actions in the United States. His relationship with Trump, whom he has repeatedly described as Israel’s greatest friend in the White House, seems strained. On Air Force One, Trump addressed Netanyahu’s criticism of his decision to sell F-35 jets to Turkey, stating no one dictates U.S. sales decisions. Although Trump noted some differences with Netanyahu over Iran, he mentioned they remain largely aligned.
During an Israeli Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that discussions with Trump would include the unresolved state of the Iran conflict. The U.S. conducted strikes in the region this month, and Iran responded with attacks on ships and American targets. This will be their first in-person meeting since last month’s report by Axios that Trump called Netanyahu “f—ing crazy” during a tense call, a claim Trump confirmed. Netanyahu acknowledged occasional tactical disagreements with Trump but emphasized their ability to resolve issues amicably.
The meeting occurs under scrutiny from lawmakers regarding the administration’s management of the war following the launch of Operation Epic Fury in February. The recent death of four U.S. soldiers has brought the total U.S. casualties in the conflict to 18. NBC News reported diminishing U.S. weapons stockpiles, with some Iranian missiles bypassing defenses to conserve resources. The Defense Department seeks $67 billion more from Congress to enhance weapons production.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz claimed the U.S. has the resources needed to conduct operations effectively. When asked if Trump ruled out escalating attacks on Iran, Waltz said the president is allowing space for talks but all options remain available. Netanyahu remarked on the close collaboration between U.S. and Israeli intelligence. He emphasized the importance of discussing strategies directly with Trump, stressing Israel’s readiness to respond forcefully if Iran initiates attacks.
Trump noted the necessity for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords for a civil nuclear deal approval, a condition Netanyahu agreed with. During his U.S. visit, Netanyahu will attend a memorial service for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who strongly supported Israel and opposed Iran.
Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor, recently stated the city lacks legal authority to arrest Netanyahu should he attend the United Nations General Assembly in September. Mamdani called on the federal government to join the International Criminal Court, which has a warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest. Trump assured that Netanyahu would not face arrest in the U.S.
Netanyahu confirmed his intention to travel to New York City for the U.N. General Assembly on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”
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