Netanyahu to meet Trump for first time since Iran war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, their first face-to-face encounter since the commencement of the Iran war. The two leaders have publicly differed on aspects of the conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.

Despite occasional strains in their relationship, both leaders have worked to de-escalate tensions. The meeting is anticipated to focus heavily on the ongoing war, particularly as Washington seeks to allow diplomatic negotiations a chance. Israel has not directly engaged in the recent hostilities between the US and Iran, which escalated earlier this month after an April ceasefire collapsed.

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This is a great privilege, but it is also a great responsibility. We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran. Naturally, our goal is to safeguard our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us.

"This is a great privilege, but it is also a great responsibility," Netanyahu stated before departing Israel. "We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran. Naturally, our goal is to safeguard our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us."

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I think that the main issue… is to show the world, to show Iran, and also even Lebanon and others… that there is no break or any kind of major disagreement between the United States and Israel.

Upon arrival in Washington, Netanyahu attended a private memorial dinner for the late Senator Lindsey Graham and is scheduled to attend his memorial service. Relations between Trump and Netanyahu reached a low point in April during ceasefire negotiations with Iran, marked by Trump's profanity-laced criticisms of his Israeli counterpart. Trump later described Netanyahu as a "very difficult guy," though Netanyahu downplayed these exchanges as "tactical disagreements," asserting alignment on war objectives.

The agenda also includes discussions on implementing a US-sponsored framework deal with Lebanon, which has faced implementation challenges. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and stalled diplomatic efforts for its reconstruction are also expected topics. International relations expert Yonatan Freeman suggested the visit's primary aim is to counter reports of cooling relations, emphasizing that the US and Israel share more agreement than disagreement, with differences likely pertaining to the methods rather than the ultimate goals of the war.

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There’s more in agreement between the two leaders than disagreement.