Netanyahu Heads to Washington to Discuss Iran and Regional Security with Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to depart Saturday night for a diplomatic visit to Washington, where he will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump and attend a memorial ceremony for Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime supporter of Israel in Congress. The meeting with Trump is expected to take place at the White House on Monday, marking their second summit this year following a February meeting that led to the "Roaring Lion" operation against Iran.

The main focus of Netanyahu's visit is Iran, as Trump considers his next steps regarding Tehran. Trump recently warned that if Iran does not return to negotiations, the U.S. might strike key infrastructure in Tehran as early as next week. Israel's primary concern is not only Iran's nuclear progress but also the risk of a new agreement seen as too conciliatory by Jerusalem. Israel prefers continued economic pressure and sanctions but some Israeli officials believe a window remains open for significant strikes on Iran's energy and government centers to destabilize the regime.

Ahead of the visit, a secret Israeli delegation presented new intelligence to U.S. officials about an underground nuclear facility Iran is building in the "Magic Mountain" area. This intelligence could influence U.S. decisions on whether to rely solely on sanctions or to consider military options, including ground forces or bunker-busting weapons.

Beyond Iran, Netanyahu and Trump are expected to discuss Israel's presence in southern Syria, where Trump has pressured Israel to withdraw from security zones established after the war. Netanyahu plans to resist any withdrawal, citing security concerns and distrust of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's ability to maintain stability. The two leaders will also address U.S.-led efforts to negotiate security arrangements in southern Lebanon, where Israel opposes significant withdrawals without Hezbollah's disarmament.

Differences also exist over Gaza, with Trump pushing for gradual reconstruction tied to Hamas disarmament, while Israel insists on full disarmament first. Despite U.S. hopes to expand the Abraham Accords, no major breakthroughs are expected during this visit. The ongoing tension between Israel and Turkey, especially regarding the supply of F-35 jets and Turkey's stealth fighter program, may also arise, with Israel demanding concessions if Turkey is reinstated in the F-35 program.

The visit will also have a political dimension, as Trump is aware of Netanyahu's challenging reelection campaign and may weigh the political benefits of publicly supporting him. While dramatic announcements are unlikely, the meeting will test the depth of U.S.-Israel coordination amid shared goals but differing approaches on Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.