Netanyahu to meet Trump at White House amid Middle East escalation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington, D.C., on Monday for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House the following day. This high-stakes meeting comes at a critical juncture, marked by escalating regional tensions and reported strains in the relationship between the two leaders, particularly concerning their approach to Iran.

Netanyahu's office confirmed the visit, stating that he would also attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, a known supporter of Israel. The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu follows a series of six previous encounters since Trump's return to power, during which Netanyahu once described the former president as Israel's "best friend" in the White House.

However, recent months have seen divergences emerge. Earlier this year, Trump publicly criticized Netanyahu amidst tense negotiations over the Iran deal. The upcoming meeting also coincides with Trump's scheduled discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, though Zelensky's team was awaiting official confirmation of the agenda.

The confirmation of Netanyahu's visit follows nearly three weeks of cross-border exchanges between Washington and Tehran, alongside renewed attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. These events have effectively undermined the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East. Trump recently indicated to Axios that he was considering large-scale military operations against Iran, stating, "I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all prepared."