U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to meet at the White House as early as next week, following a phone call where they discussed their strained relationship and regional tensions. The meeting, if confirmed, would be the first in-person encounter between the two leaders since the start of the war with Iran.
Core Developments
Trump told Axios in a July 4 interview that Netanyahu requested the meeting, which could take place after Trump returns from a NATO summit in Turkey on July 7 and 8. Netanyahu's office confirmed the call, stating the prime minister congratulated Trump on America's 250th anniversary and reaffirmed the close U.S.-Israel relationship.
Background and Context
The relationship between the two leaders has been fraught with tension, particularly over Israel's military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which Trump has criticized. In a previous phone call, Trump reportedly called Netanyahu 'f***ing crazy' and expressed frustration over Israel's actions disrupting U.S. negotiations with Iran.
Policy and Diplomatic Implications
The U.S. and Israel have been engaged in joint military operations against Iran since February, but the partnership has faced challenges. Some critics argue that Netanyahu influenced Trump to escalate tensions with Iran, while others suggest the U.S. joined the operations to preempt Iranian retaliation.
In June, the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon signed a trilateral agreement for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and Hezbollah's disarmament. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has defended its memorandum of understanding with Iran, despite Israeli criticism.
Public and Political Reactions
Trump's comments about Netanyahu 'knowing who the boss is' have drawn mixed reactions. While some see it as a sign of Trump asserting U.S. leadership, others interpret it as a reflection of underlying tensions. Netanyahu's office emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance, calling the U.S. a 'guarantor of global freedom.'