Trump Claims Netanyahu Requested White House Meeting
US President Donald Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting at the White House, potentially as early as next week following Trump's return from the NATO summit, according to a report by Axios. In a brief phone interview with Axios, Trump said, "We get along very good. [Netanyahu] knows who the boss is," referring to himself.
Timing and Context of the Proposed Meeting
The proposed meeting would mark the first encounter between the two leaders since their February meeting in the White House Situation Room, where Netanyahu presented a plan for a joint war against Iran. An Israeli official told Axios that next week might be too soon due to Trump's trip to Turkey for the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8, adding, "It might take place the week after."
Netanyahu's office confirmed that Netanyahu called Trump on Friday to congratulate him on the 250th Independence Day of the United States. During the call, Netanyahu stated that "the United States is a guarantor of global freedom" and that Israel greatly values the close relationship between the two nations. Both leaders agreed to meet soon in the United States.
Growing Skepticism Within Trump's Circle
According to Axios, people within Trump's inner circle have become increasingly skeptical of Netanyahu in the months following their February meeting. A US official told Axios, "Many of Trump's closest advisers think that Bibi was wrong about everything." Trump himself criticized Netanyahu during a phone call last month over Israel's escalation in Lebanon, describing the Israeli Prime Minister as "crazy" and accusing him of ingratitude.
The differences between the two leaders have widened in recent months, with disagreements over regional security, Iran, and domestic political priorities. Despite Netanyahu's reservations, Trump signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last month extending the ceasefire with Iran and initiating fresh nuclear talks. He also urged Netanyahu to scale back Israeli military operations in Lebanon and support a framework agreement providing for an initial withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Political Significance for Netanyahu
A White House meeting would carry political significance for Netanyahu as he prepares for Israel's October elections, where opinion polls currently place him behind his rivals. The meeting could bolster his standing domestically.
Trump's Comments on Iran and Khamenei's Funeral
Trump also told Axios that he has been following the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated on the first day of the war in a joint US-Israeli operation. Trump claimed the Iranians "are begging to make a deal," but said both sides had agreed to pause negotiations for a week until events surrounding Khamenei's funeral conclude. He also said that neither side would engage in military action during that period.
"They are all there. One shot [and we can take them all out], but we are not going to do that because then we would have nobody to negotiate with," Trump said, according to Axios. He added that he was surprised to see mourners grieving at Khamenei's funeral, saying he had believed people disliked the former Iranian leader. "Maybe it's fake tears," Trump said.
