Trump Says He and Netanyahu Are Getting Along Well Ahead of Possible White House Meeting

In an exclusive phone interview with Israel's Channel 12 on July 4, 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting at the White House, potentially scheduled for next week after Trump returns from the NATO summit. Trump stated, "We're getting along great. He knows who's boss," referring to himself. However, a senior Israeli official noted that the timing might be mid-July rather than next week due to Trump's trip to Turkey.

This would be Netanyahu's first meeting with Trump since their dramatic February encounter in the White House Situation Room, where Netanyahu presented his plan for a war against Iran. Since then, many close to Trump have grown skeptical and disappointed with Netanyahu's handling of the Iranian issue. A senior U.S. source said, "Many of Trump's closest advisers think Bibi was wrong about almost everything."

The two leaders recently spoke on July 3, with Netanyahu congratulating Trump on the 250th U.S. Independence Day. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of the U.S. in guaranteeing global freedom and praised the close ties between the nations. Both agreed to meet soon in the United States.

Trump also commented on the recent funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli operation at the start of the war. Trump said Iranians are "begging to reach an agreement," and both sides have paused talks for a week due to the funeral events. He added that no shots have been fired recently, and although the U.S. could eliminate Iranian forces with one strike, it is holding back to preserve negotiation prospects. Trump expressed surprise at the emotional displays at Khamenei's funeral, suggesting the tears might be insincere.

The potential White House meeting carries significant weight for Netanyahu as he prepares for Israel's October elections, where he currently trails in the polls. Despite recent divergences between Trump and Netanyahu on security and foreign policy, especially regarding Iran and Lebanon, the meeting could signal renewed cooperation.