Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington Amid Rising West Bank Tensions and ICC Dispute

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday at the start of the cabinet meeting that he will fly to Washington the following day to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit, made at Trump’s invitation, will also include Netanyahu’s participation in the memorial ceremony for Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away about two weeks ago. Netanyahu described Graham as "one of Israel’s greatest friends since its establishment" and said it was fitting to honor him.

During the meeting, Netanyahu said he would discuss all pressing issues with Trump, including the situation in Iran. He also addressed ongoing security operations in the West Bank following a recent shooting attack that killed three Israeli civilians. Netanyahu detailed that Israeli forces have entered villages to conduct searches, seize weapons, and arrest suspects. Security forces also raided a hospital in Nablus where two accomplices of the attacker were hiding, detained them, sealed the attacker’s home for demolition, and mapped other accomplices’ homes for further action. Netanyahu emphasized readiness to expand operations against terrorist cells.

The prime minister further commented on the recent decision by a majority of countries to remove Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Netanyahu accused Khan of sexual harassment allegations and claimed his actions were politically motivated to undermine Israel and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant. He described the ICC as corrupt and biased, asserting that the U.S. intends to take strong measures against the court. Netanyahu said he spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed America’s commitment to counter the ICC, which Netanyahu said threatens the sovereignty of democratic nations and justice worldwide.

Netanyahu concluded by calling the U.S. stance a very positive development and stressed the importance of amplifying this message globally.