Prof. Eitan Gilboa Predicts Tense Netanyahu-Trump White House Meeting Amid Iran and Saudi Issues
Ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to the White House for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Prof. Eitan Gilboa, an expert on Israel-U.S. relations and senior researcher at the Begin-Sadat Center, described the visit as likely to be "bitter." Gilboa noted that unlike Netanyahu's previous eight meetings with Trump, this visit was arranged under unusual circumstances, initiated by Netanyahu only two weeks prior following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, and was confirmed by Trump in a casual manner.
Gilboa expressed concern over the meeting's agenda, highlighting reports that Netanyahu intends to present intelligence on Iran's nuclear capabilities. He argued that publicizing such intelligence suggests Israeli intelligence superiority and fuels skepticism within Trump's camp, which views Netanyahu as pushing the U.S. toward conflict with Iran rather than a diplomatic solution. The short duration of the visit, with Netanyahu planning to return to Israel by Wednesday, contrasts with previous longer stays that included broader diplomatic engagements.
The timing is critical as both leaders face upcoming elections, with Trump under pressure to resolve the Iran issue diplomatically rather than militarily. Gilboa referenced a New York Times report indicating the U.S. military lacks sufficient interceptors for a significant strike on Iran, making military options less viable and potentially encouraging Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure.
Gilboa also expects the discussion to cover multiple regional issues, including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza. He criticized the emerging U.S.-Saudi civilian nuclear deal as detrimental to Israel, warning it could pave the way for a future military nuclear program in Saudi Arabia. He suggested Trump's primary interest lies in the financial benefits of the deal for the U.S., especially before the midterm elections, which could jeopardize his slim congressional majority.
Regarding internal Israeli politics, Gilboa noted that comments by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir about Trump's naivety in Iran negotiations are poorly received in Washington and raise concerns about Netanyahu's control over his coalition partners. He emphasized Netanyahu must restore personal trust with Trump and improve coordination, particularly to avoid Israel being sidelined in critical negotiations on Iran and Lebanon. Gilboa concluded that Israel should approach demands to withdraw from Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza with conditional language rather than outright rejection.
