Netanyahu and Trump smooth over differences in first meeting since Middle East war began

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump, with both leaders describing the encounter as "positive" and reaffirming their joint commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This was their first meeting since the outbreak of the Middle East war and followed public disagreements, aiming to mend fences and project unity.

Netanyahu stated he had "one of the best conversations" he has ever had with the U.S. president, emphasizing their shared objective. A source close to Netanyahu called the meeting "extremely positive," while the White House described it as "productive." This meeting, their eighth since Trump took office, occurred amid a critical juncture for the Middle East, with Iran reportedly prioritizing terrorism over negotiations and blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the conciliatory tone, the hour-and-a-half closed-door meeting did not entirely erase impressions of underlying friction. Their relationship had previously reached a low point in April, with Trump reportedly making critical remarks about Netanyahu. In recent weeks, Netanyahu had worked to downplay these differences as "tactical disagreements." Both leaders face upcoming elections, with Trump's legislative elections on November 3 and Netanyahu's general elections on October 27, adding a layer of political urgency to their public display of solidarity.

International relations expert Yonatan Freeman suggested the meeting's primary goal was to counter speculation about a rift between the U.S. and Israel. He noted that this demonstration of unity is crucial for signaling to Iran, Lebanon, and other nations that the alliance remains strong. Public opinion in Israel has also put pressure on Netanyahu, with some criticizing his government's handling of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that initiated the Gaza war.