Netanyahu departs for Washington to meet Trump amid regional tension

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has departed for the United States to meet with President Donald Trump, with the trip focusing on regional tensions and Iran. Netanyahu's flight, aboard the government plane "Wings of Zion," left from Nevatim Air Force base in southern Israel, reportedly with a delay and a deviation from its usual flight path. The meeting with Trump is scheduled for Wednesday, and while the attendance of Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is uncertain, the primary focus is expected to be Iran. This comes after recent U.S. airstrikes on the Islamic Republic and subsequent Iranian reprisals. Israeli media reports suggest the Israeli government fears a U.S.-Iran deal that could bolster Iran's economy and nuclear program. The meeting aims to address these concerns while avoiding the appearance of Netanyahu instigating conflict. Previous interactions between Netanyahu and Trump have reportedly caused friction due to what Israeli media described as "false forecasts" of Iranian regime destruction following earlier conflicts. The agenda also includes Netanyahu attending the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham.