Netanyahu Flies to Washington for Security Talks with President Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is departing for Washington on Monday morning for a brief visit centered on a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The exact departure time is kept secret for security reasons, and no journalists will accompany Netanyahu on the plane, continuing the practice of previous trips. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Washington time. The Prime Minister's Office is awaiting the White House's decision on whether to include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance in the meeting or hold separate sessions with them.

The primary focus of the discussions will be Iran. Israeli officials believe the U.S. administration is at a crossroads regarding its approach to Tehran, weighing diplomatic efforts against continued pressure. Netanyahu is expected to present intelligence indicating that Iran is actively working to restore its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, including relocating some infrastructure underground to protect it from strikes. Israel aims to avoid appearing as pushing Washington toward a broad military confrontation.

The message Netanyahu plans to convey opposes significant economic relief for Iran, fearing that lifting sanctions would enable Tehran to rebuild its military strength through oil revenues. Israeli officials view the direct meeting with Trump as a diplomatic achievement and hope it will also advance other regional issues such as the conflict in Gaza, negotiations with Saudi Arabia, and developments in Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey. Netanyahu is also expected to attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham during his visit and return to Israel on Thursday.