White House Meeting and Memorial
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington, DC, on Monday for his first White House meeting with President Donald Trump in over five months, the longest gap since Trump returned to office. The two will meet at the White House at 11am on Tuesday, after which Netanyahu will attend a memorial for Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11. Netanyahu described Graham as 'one of Israel's greatest friends since its inception.' The visit is Netanyahu's seventh meeting with Trump in the US since Trump returned to office, more than any other world leader. Their last meeting in February was followed just over two weeks later by the joint US-Israel strike on Iran, sparking the current war.[S2][S3]
Iran dominates the agenda, as the war that began with a joint US-Israel strike on February 28 continues. Netanyahu seeks clarity on Trump's endgame and whether the US plans a major new offensive or if it will accept a prolonged low-intensity conflict. Reports indicate Trump is considering resuming major combat operations, possibly with Israeli involvement. The meeting comes during a lull after the Pentagon suspended its bombing campaign. Trump has said he is talking with Iran and is optimistic about a deal, but warned of 'very strong military action' if talks fail.[S2][S3][S4]
Tensions Between Allies
Despite their public camaraderie, tensions have surfaced over Iran strategy. Trump reportedly called Netanyahu 'f****** crazy' during a phone call last month for continuing attacks on Lebanon and undermining peace talks. Trump has said he 'calls all the shots' and pushed back against the narrative that he is Netanyahu's puppet, a perception fueled by the timing of the war's start. He told the Financial Times that Netanyahu 'will have no choice' but to approve a peace agreement with Iran. Political observers note the two leaders' political interests are on a collision course.[S1][S2]
The timing of the visit has raised speculation. Some White House officials were initially reluctant to schedule the meeting, fearing that any major escalation after it would reinforce the puppet narrative. According to Axios, Netanyahu initially sought a meeting last week but was not given an appointment; the meeting was arranged only after the Graham memorial was rescheduled. Netanyahu is expected to seek assurances about Israel's role in future operations and a clearer definition of victory from Trump.[S2][S3]
Broader Regional Issues
Netanyahu's visit follows a weekend of intensified settler violence in the occupied West Bank, where a shootout in Tal killed two Israelis and four Palestinians. Israeli settlers have been expanding illegal settlements since Netanyahu formed the most far-right government in 2022. The Israeli military has also been conducting increasing raids and arrests in the territory. A letter published on Tuesday from about 600 former Israeli security officials appealed to Trump to avert a 'calamity' from the escalating violence, warning it threatens Israeli and US security.[S1]
The leaders are also expected to discuss the Abraham Accords and the situation in Gaza. Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza has faced delays as Hamas refuses to disarm and Israel withholds approval on key provisions. Netanyahu's security cabinet recently approved the limited entry of an International Stabilization Force into Gaza, signaling willingness to support Trump's plan. Opposition leader Yair Lapid is also attending the Graham memorial in Washington. Meanwhile, Hezbollah says it will not give up its weapons, and Lebanese troops are deploying in southern Lebanon after Israeli withdrawal.[S1][S4]
Domestic Political Calculations
Netanyahu's visit also has domestic political dimensions. He formed the most far-right government in Israel's history in 2022, with ministers who are leading settler figures. With elections three months away, he is seeking Trump's support to bolster his re-election bid. Expanding illegal settlements in the West Bank and taking a tough line on Iran help him secure support from far-right coalition partners.[S1]
The war in Iran has also become politically costly for Trump, with the conflict dragging on without a clear victory and public opinion shifting against it. Trump faces pressure from both domestic and international actors to reach a diplomatic solution. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's standing in Washington has declined among Democrats and some Trump allies.[S1][S2][S3]
