Former President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting at the White House.
Kabul 24: The encounter could take place as early as next week, following Trump’s return from Turkey where he is scheduled to attend the NATO summit on July 7-8.In a conversation with Axios, Trump made a striking remark about Iran, stating that he could have eliminated Iranian leaders during the funeral of Ali Khamenei but chose not to because of ongoing negotiations.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed the phone call between Netanyahu and Trump, describing it as a conversation to congratulate the United States on its 250th Independence Day. Both leaders agreed to meet soon in the United States.
This would mark their first in-person meeting since a tense encounter in February, during which Netanyahu reportedly presented plans for a potential strike on Iran.
Trump described his relationship with Netanyahu positively: “Our relationship is very good. He knows who’s the boss.” However, sources indicate significant friction behind the scenes.
An Israeli official noted that next week may be too soon for the meeting given Trump’s travel schedule to Turkey.A U.S. official told Axios that many of Trump’s closest advisors believe Netanyahu “was wrong about everything.” Tensions escalated last month when Trump sharply criticized Netanyahu in a phone call over Israel’s intensified actions in Lebanon, reportedly calling him “crazy” and accusing him of ingratitude.
These disagreements have deepened divisions within the Republican Party regarding Israel and regional wars. Prominent MAGA figures, including Tucker Carlson, have accused Trump of being unduly influenced by Netanyahu.
According to Axios, over the past two months, the national security, foreign policy, and domestic political interests of Trump and Netanyahu have increasingly diverged amid ongoing conflicts and broader regional issues.
Despite public displays of unity, the relationship shows clear signs of strain. Trump’s “America First” approach appears to clash with Netanyahu’s priorities, particularly concerning Iran policy and the continuing wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Both leaders face domestic challenges and may seek to project diplomatic success from the upcoming meeting.
Nevertheless, deep differences over Iran strategy, Lebanon operations, and the overall direction of Middle East policy are likely to loom large over their discussions.
