For Israel, an undramatic meeting between Netanyahu and Trump was enough - opinion

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump in a meeting notable for its lack of public display, a departure from typical high-profile foreign leader visits. Unlike Trump's recent warm embrace with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, this encounter featured no cameras, journalists, or photo opportunities, opting instead for a closed-door session.

This understated approach may have served Netanyahu's interests, mitigating the risk of a public rebuke. While Trump maintains a positive public stance on his relationship with Netanyahu, recent months have seen increased tension. Trump has used strong language regarding the Israeli leader and publicly downplayed Netanyahu's views on Iran shortly before their meeting.

Despite Netanyahu's desire for a visible endorsement ahead of Israel's October 27 election, a public meeting carried the potential for humiliation, similar to past instances involving other leaders. Keeping the discussion private eliminated this risk, especially given the modest expectations for the visit. Netanyahu had reportedly struggled to secure a meeting on Trump's schedule for weeks, eventually securing time during a visit for a memorial service.

The underlying friction stems from the ongoing war with Iran. Trump and his inner circle reportedly express frustration with Israel, viewing it as potentially drawing the U.S. into a prolonged conflict. This sentiment, even if considered unfair by some, influences White House thinking, as echoed by Vice President JD Vance's comments about Israel's pressure campaign. Netanyahu's objective was to demonstrate that, despite policy differences, the strategic relationship between Israel and the U.S., and specifically between him and Trump, remains intact.