White House Denies Scheduling Netanyahu-Trump Meeting Amid Tensions Over F-35 Deal

The White House has clarified that no meeting has been scheduled between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump for the upcoming week, contradicting recent reports in Israeli media. Senior White House officials told Channel 12 News that Netanyahu appears to be trying to force a meeting, but no appointment has been confirmed on President Trump's calendar.

The tension reportedly stems from Netanyahu's recent criticism of the U.S. arms deal with Turkey involving F-35 fighter jets. Netanyahu stated in a Fox News interview that providing Turkey with F-35s or their engines could destabilize the Middle East balance of power, which relies on Israel's air superiority. According to White House sources, Trump was displeased by Netanyahu's comments, viewing them as an inappropriate interference in U.S. foreign policy.

Despite Netanyahu's request for a meeting, which Trump initially agreed to after returning from the NATO summit in Ankara, the meeting has yet to be arranged two weeks later. This delay is notable as it is the first time since Trump resumed office 19 months ago that Netanyahu has waited this long without securing a meeting.

The broader context includes Netanyahu's declining popularity in Washington, both among Democrats and within the current administration. This was reflected in a recent House vote where 100 Democratic members opposed aid to Israel, a move attributed to dissatisfaction with Netanyahu rather than opposition to Israel itself. Additionally, former Vice President Mike Pence criticized the Israeli government for undermining Trump administration policies on Iran.

Furthermore, Netanyahu's planned trip to the U.S. next week has been canceled following the postponement of Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral, though the official reason for the cancellation remains unclear. The White House continues to emphasize that no meeting date has been set, underscoring the strained relations between Netanyahu and the Trump administration at this time.