Trump Plans Possible Meeting With Netanyahu at White House Next Week

US President Donald Trump told Axios on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting at the White House, which could take place as early as next week after Trump returns from the NATO summit. Netanyahu, in a brief phone interview, said they get along very well and joked that he knows "who's the boss," referring to himself. This would be their first meeting since February, when Netanyahu presented Trump with a plan for a joint war against Iran in the White House situation room.

An Israeli source noted the meeting might be delayed due to Trump's trip to Turkey for the NATO summit on June 7-8, possibly pushing the meeting to the following week. Netanyahu's office confirmed that he spoke with Trump on Friday to congratulate him on the United States' 250th Independence Day.

Despite the planned meeting, some of Trump's close advisors have grown increasingly skeptical and disappointed with Netanyahu since their February encounter, with one American source saying many believe Netanyahu has been wrong on nearly every issue. Trump also commented on the funeral of former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, killed over four months ago at the start of the conflict, saying Iranians are eager for a deal but both sides agreed to pause talks and avoid hostilities during the funeral period. Trump expressed surprise at seeing Iranians mourn Khamenei, suggesting the tears might be insincere.