Netanyahu Flies to US from Secret Military Base Ahead of Key Meetings

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently departed for the United States aboard the "Wing of Zion" aircraft, taking off unusually from the Nevatim Airbase instead of Ben Gurion Airport. The flight was conducted under an exceptional veil of secrecy imposed by the Prime Minister's Office, which withheld details such as the departure time, location, and expected arrival. Even staff within Netanyahu's office were instructed to maintain confidentiality, arriving early and limiting availability prior to the flight.

According to the schedule, Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump tomorrow at 18:00 Israel time, followed by attendance at a memorial ceremony for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham at the Capitol at 21:00. The meeting occurs amid ongoing uncertainty about the US-led campaign against Iran and whether it will escalate or move toward a diplomatic agreement. The Prime Minister's Office is awaiting confirmation on whether Vice President J. D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will join the meeting or hold separate discussions.

Simultaneously, the US, Qatar, and Oman are attempting to broker a deal to regulate ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz and prevent a broader conflict. Israeli officials fear such an arrangement could enable Iran to resume oil sales, ease sanctions, and inject tens of billions of dollars into its economy.

Netanyahu plans to present Trump with updated intelligence on Iran's efforts to rebuild its nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and strategic underground installations. Israel's message will stress that Iran remains intent on acquiring nuclear weapons and that temporary agreements allowing Iran to recover are unacceptable. However, Netanyahu aims to avoid the impression that he is pushing Trump toward renewed military conflict, instead seeking alignment on future military and diplomatic steps. Discussions will also cover the Gaza conflict and developments involving Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey.