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

Senior White House officials and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office are in talks about a potential meeting between President Donald Trump and Netanyahu in the Oval Office next week, though no official date has been set yet. Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington to attend the memorial ceremonies for late Senator Lindsey Graham on Tuesday. The meeting, if it occurs, could significantly influence Trump's decision-making process and coordination between the U.S. and Israel regarding Iran.

Trump is reportedly considering resuming a broad military campaign against Iran, potentially 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. However, Netanyahu currently faces diminished popularity in Washington, including among Democrats, some of Trump's close allies, and the MAGA base.

Last week, Netanyahu requested a meeting with Trump but did not receive a confirmed date and initially postponed his Washington trip due to the delay of Senator Graham's memorial. Israeli officials emphasize that the Israel Defense Forces are preparing for a possible escalation into a full-scale coordinated conflict with Iran but would only engage if attacked or if the U.S. requests their participation. Both the Prime Minister's office and the Israeli embassy in Washington declined to comment on the discussions.

The broader context involves Trump approaching a critical juncture in the conflict with Iran, with two realistic options seen by American and Israeli officials: 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.