Trump and Netanyahu Set for Potential White House Meeting Amidst Policy Differences

Upcoming Meeting Between Trump and Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump has indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed interest in meeting at the White House, potentially as soon as next week following the NATO summit in Turkey. In a brief phone conversation with Axios, Trump remarked, "We get along very good. He knows who the boss is." This meeting would mark the first in-person discussions between the two since their notable Situation Room encounter in February, where Netanyahu allegedly outlined plans for a collaborative US-Israeli military initiative against Iran.

However, an Israeli official mentioned that next week might be too soon due to Trump's travel commitments for the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara, suggesting that the meeting is more likely to occur the following week. Netanyahu's office confirmed that the two leaders had a phone conversation on Friday, during which Netanyahu congratulated Trump on the 250th Independence Day of the United States. The Israeli prime minister acknowledged the US as "a guarantor of global freedom" and reiterated the strong bond between the two nations. They both agreed to meet in the US soon.

Emerging Differences on Iran Policy

Despite their strong relationship, recent reports indicate that differences are surfacing between Trump and Netanyahu regarding Middle Eastern policies. Axios reports that several of Trump's close aides have grown increasingly critical of Netanyahu in recent months. One US official suggested that many of Trump's advisors now believe Netanyahu "was wrong about everything." Trump has reportedly had disagreements with Netanyahu concerning Israel's military actions in Lebanon, urging caution during a phone call last month as Washington sought diplomatic solutions with Iran. Additionally, the president signed a memorandum extending a ceasefire with Iran and restarting nuclear discussions, despite the Israeli government's concerns.

Netanyahu's Political Context

A meeting at the White House would be timely for Netanyahu, who is gearing up for Israel's elections in October, with recent polls indicating he is trailing. Trump also commented on the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli operation at the onset of the conflict. Trump stated that Tehran is still interested in negotiating, mentioning that both parties had paused discussions for a week to allow for the funeral ceremonies. "They are begging to make a deal," Trump noted, adding that neither side plans to resume military actions during the mourning period. He also expressed surprise at the mourners grieving Khamenei, humorously suggesting that the tears "may be fake."