Netanyahu Postpones US Visit Citing Senator Graham's Memorial Delay Amid Political Tensions
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office officially announced on Thursday that Benjamin Netanyahu is postponing his planned trip to the United States. The stated reason was the rescheduling of the memorial ceremony for Senator Lindsey Graham to later in the month. Netanyahu was expected to attend and deliver a eulogy at the ceremony. However, behind the scenes, additional factors contributed to the delay.
Despite claims from the Prime Minister's Office that the White House never officially set a meeting date, sources in both Jerusalem and Washington insisted the meeting with President Donald Trump was scheduled for Monday. Netanyahu had reserved a three-day visit from Sunday to Tuesday, timed around the memorial. Yet, the ceremony's postponement was not the sole reason for canceling the trip.
Tensions arose following a critical interview by US Vice President J.D. Vance, who accused Israel of attempting to influence American foreign policy and push Trump toward renewed conflict. This narrative was unwelcome on both sides, and Netanyahu wanted to avoid arriving in Washington amid such controversy, especially months before Israeli elections. Additionally, Trump was reportedly displeased with Netanyahu's public opposition to supplying F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Further complications included disagreements over the agenda and expected outcomes of the meeting, particularly regarding Iran and US demands for Israeli withdrawals from Syria and Lebanon, which Netanyahu opposes. The US also recognizes Netanyahu's precarious political position ahead of elections, limiting his ability to make concessions. Internal debates in Washington about the Iran nuclear deal collapse and the direction of the conflict also made Netanyahu's visit less welcome among factions opposing renewed war.
Officials in Netanyahu's office firmly denied that the postponement was due to difficulties coordinating with Trump. They emphasized that Netanyahu's primary purpose was to honor Senator Graham and that without the memorial, a separate diplomatic visit was unjustified. The meeting was initially arranged during a call between Trump and Netanyahu two weeks prior, with an original plan for August. After Graham's death and the memorial's scheduling for Monday, the meeting was set for that day at 11:00 a.m. Once the memorial was postponed, the visit was deferred to avoid two trips in one month.
