White House and Netanyahu's Office Discuss Possible Trump-Netanyahu Meeting in Washington Next Week

The White House and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office are currently discussing the possibility of a meeting between President Donald Trump and Netanyahu in the Oval Office next week, though no official date has been set yet. A senior White House official and an informed Israeli source confirmed the ongoing talks as of Wednesday.

The potential meeting holds significance for both Trump's decision-making process and coordination between the U.S. and Israel regarding Iran. Trump is reportedly considering renewing a broad military campaign against Iran, possibly involving a joint operation with Israel similar to the "Epic Fury" operation launched on February 28. Netanyahu has visited the Oval Office six times since Trump returned to the White House a year and a half ago, more than any other world leader.

Netanyahu plans to travel to Washington to attend the memorial services for the late Senator Lindsey Graham at the Capitol and the National Cathedral on Tuesday. Last week, Netanyahu requested a meeting with Trump but did not receive a scheduled date and initially postponed his trip due to the delay of Graham's memorial ceremony. Both the Prime Minister's office and the Israeli embassy in Washington declined to comment on the meeting discussions.

The broader context involves Trump approaching a critical juncture in the conflict with Iran, with American and Israeli officials considering two realistic options: accepting a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, or launching a large-scale joint military campaign with Israel to force Tehran's surrender. Israeli military officials are preparing for the possibility of an expanded and coordinated conflict within days but emphasize Israel would only join if directly attacked by Iran or requested by the U.S.