President Donald Trump recently informed Axios that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may visit the White House as soon as next week. During a phone interview, Trump remarked that he and the prime minister maintain a positive relationship, emphasizing that Netanyahu understands who holds the senior position in their dynamic.
This potential visit arrives following reports of friction between the two leaders regarding the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which began in late February. While Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the two spoke on Friday and agreed to meet in the United States, an Israeli official suggested that a visit next week might be improbable due to Trump’s scheduled attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7-8. The meeting could be rescheduled for the following week.
Although Washington remains Israel’s primary ally, Trump has voiced public criticism of Netanyahu lately, specifically concerning Israel’s involvement in the war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has endangered peace negotiations with Iran. The leaders last held an in-person meeting in Washington on February 11.
