Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington to Discuss Iran, Security, and Regional Issues

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to the United States next week for a meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday. The central topic of their discussion will be Iran, with Netanyahu expected to present updated intelligence on Iran's reconstruction efforts and the acceleration of work at the Fordow nuclear facility. Netanyahu aims to avoid appearing as if he is pushing Trump toward renewed military conflict with Iran, instead advocating for a series of measures to bring about the regime's downfall without war.

The leaders will also discuss the security relationship between Washington and Jerusalem, with Netanyahu expressing his desire to shift from American military aid to a more collaborative security partnership. Other key issues on the agenda include repairing the strained personal relationship between Netanyahu and Trump, which has deteriorated in recent months due to Trump's critical remarks about the Israeli prime minister.

Regional concerns will feature prominently, including Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program and the potential normalization of relations with Riyadh. Netanyahu intends to ensure that Saudi nuclear enrichment does not set a dangerous precedent and that any civilian nuclear program is conditional on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, without Israel committing to a clear path toward a Palestinian state. Turkey's problematic behavior toward Israel will also be raised, with Netanyahu seeking assurances that the U.S. will not sell advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and will pressure Ankara to cease hosting Hamas operatives and tone down anti-Israel rhetoric.

Regarding Lebanon, Netanyahu will urge Trump to maintain Israel Defense Forces' presence in southern Lebanon and emphasize the importance of security zones, including in neighboring Syria. Israel is willing to advance a pilot program but insists on Hezbollah's disarmament. On Gaza, Trump hopes to see progress on his 20-point plan, but Israel insists on Hamas's disarmament before reconstruction efforts proceed.

A particularly sensitive topic will be the violence involving settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank, which has escalated recently and threatens to ignite further conflict. Netanyahu is expected to face sharp criticism from Trump and his team on this issue and will present Israel's recent measures to address it. During his visit, Netanyahu will also attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican supporter of Israel, on the same day as his meeting with Trump. Netanyahu will travel with his delegation without press accompanying him on the plane, and his return date has not been announced.