Netanyahu Says Iran is Top Agenda in Meeting with Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is traveling to Washington for a crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump, marking their first in-person discussion since the escalation of conflict with Iran. The meeting, scheduled for Monday, is Netanyahu's eighth with Trump since the US president took office and their first since February, shortly before Israel and the United States initiated joint aerial operations against Iran.

Netanyahu stated that the discussions would cover "all the issues on the agenda, primarily Iran." He emphasized the need for "great determination and great wisdom" in complex times, adding, "Of course, our goal is to protect our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us."

The meeting takes place against a backdrop of regional tensions. Israel had not participated in a recent two-week US bombing campaign that prompted Iran to retaliate against US bases. Trump halted the campaign, and Iran announced it would suspend its own attacks as long as the US pause continues. Israel has warned Tehran of a forceful response to any attack.

While the two leaders have historically maintained a close relationship, recent weeks have seen acknowledgments of differences between Israeli and US interests in the region. A strained phone call in June, where Trump reportedly called Netanyahu "[expletive] crazy," was later confirmed by Trump himself, highlighting these strains.

In a gesture aimed at appeasing Trump, Israel announced it would permit a multinational security force to enter Gaza, aligning with Trump's peace plan for the enclave. Additionally, Israel redeployed some forces in southern Lebanon as part of recent US-backed agreements. The meeting could significantly aid Netanyahu, who faces an October 27 election and is currently trailing in opinion polls, particularly as support for Israel in the United States has been declining.

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In these complex times, you need to act with both great determination and great wisdom. We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, primarily Iran. Of course, our goal is to protect our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us.