Netanyahu Plans US Visit with Potential Trump Meeting Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to travel to the United States next week to attend the memorial service for the late Senator Lindsey Graham at the Capitol. A senior White House official confirmed Netanyahu's plan and indicated that efforts to arrange a meeting with President Donald Trump are underway, though no date has been set yet. Earlier this month, Netanyahu and Trump spoke by phone, with Netanyahu congratulating the US on its 250th Independence Day and emphasizing the strong bond between the two nations. They agreed to meet soon, highlighting the ongoing close relationship.

Their last meeting took place on February 11, 2026, shortly before joint Israeli-American strikes on Iran and the outbreak of the so-called "Lion's Roar" war. Following that meeting, Trump stated that while no final decisions were made, he insisted on continuing negotiations with Iran to explore a possible agreement. Trump expressed hope that Iran would act more reasonably this time, contrasting it with previous failed talks.

Despite some skepticism from Trump's senior Lebanon advisor, who said a meeting with Netanyahu was not yet on the table, the White House official described the coordination as moving at a fast pace. Netanyahu's visit and potential meeting with Trump come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning Iran's nuclear program.