Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, marking their first in-person talks since the outbreak of the Iran war.
The meeting comes amid reports of strained relations between the two leaders, who have publicly disagreed over aspects of the conflict. However, both sides have recently sought to downplay tensions.
The Iran war began in late February following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, though Israel has not participated in the latest escalation between Washington and Tehran after an April cease-fire collapsed.
The eighth meeting between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump returned to office is expected to focus heavily on Iran, as the U.S. signals interest in reviving negotiations.
Speaking before departing Israel, Netanyahu described the visit as both a “privilege” and a “responsibility,” emphasizing security concerns and efforts to broaden regional peace.
Relations between the two leaders hit a low point in April during ceasefire negotiations, when Trump reportedly criticized Netanyahu sharply. Netanyahu later dismissed the tensions as “tactical disagreements,” insisting both leaders share the same strategic goals.
Beyond Iran, discussions are expected to cover a U.S.-brokered agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which has faced implementation challenges, as well as the stalled reconstruction of Gaza.
Nearly three years into the war with Hamas, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis remains severe, with ongoing Israeli military operations targeting suspected militants.
Analysts say the meeting is partly aimed at projecting unity between the U.S. and Israel. “The goal is to show there is no major break in relations,” said Yonatan Freeman, an international relations expert at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Freeman noted that differences between Trump and Netanyahu are likely over strategy rather than objectives, particularly regarding the pace and scope of military actions.
Trump is also expected to prioritize expanding the Abraham Accords, normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states, over deeper involvement in Gaza.
Some observers suggest the talks could also explore easing Israel’s military footprint in parts of the region, including Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
Netanyahu’s visit comes ahead of Israel’s upcoming national elections, where he faces mounting pressure amid lingering criticism over the government’s handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
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