Netanyahu seeks White House meeting, Trump confirms, but timing uncertain
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting at the White House. Trump told Axios that the meeting could take place as early as next week, after his return from the NATO summit in Turkey.
Trump stated that he and Netanyahu “get along very good,” but also remarked that Netanyahu “knows who the boss is,” referring to himself. These comments were reported by Axios.
If it takes place next week, this would be the first meeting between the two leaders since February, when Netanyahu presented a plan for joint military action against Iran during a meeting in the White House Situation Room.
However, an Israeli official told Axios that a visit next week might not be possible due to Trump’s NATO trip, and the meeting could occur the following week instead.
Netanyahu’s office said the Prime Minister called Trump on Friday to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence. Netanyahu told Trump that the United States protects freedom around the world, and both leaders agreed to meet soon in the US, according to the statement.
Tensions have grown between the two leaders since February. People close to Trump have become more critical of Netanyahu, with a US official telling Axios that many of Trump’s advisers believe Netanyahu made poor decisions.
Axios also reported that during a call last month, Trump criticised Netanyahu over Israel’s actions in Lebanon, calling him “crazy” and accusing him of not showing gratitude. This dispute has deepened divisions within the Republican Party over Israel policy, with some commentators, such as Tucker Carlson, accusing Trump of favouring Netanyahu too much.
Trump and Netanyahu have also differed on other matters. Despite objections from Netanyahu, Trump signed an agreement last month to continue the ceasefire with Iran and begin new nuclear discussions. Trump also asked Netanyahu to limit military action in Lebanon and accept a plan requiring an early troop withdrawal from the region.
The meeting is significant for Netanyahu, who is preparing for Israel’s elections in October, where current surveys show him trailing his opponents.
Separately, Trump commented on the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli operation on the first day of the war. Trump told Axios that Iran wants a deal, but both sides have agreed to pause talks for a week until events related to the funeral are over. He said neither side would carry out attacks during this period.
Trump said, “One shot and we can take them all out, but we are not going to do that because then we would have nobody to negotiate with.” He also expressed surprise that some Iranians appeared to cry during the funeral, as he believed people disliked Khamenei, and suggested the tears might be fake, according to Axios.
