Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached the United States on Tuesday ahead of his scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. The meeting is expected to focus on important security matters, including the possibility of military action against Iran. According to two Israeli sources, Israel is already preparing backup plans in case ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran do not succeed.
This will be the seventh time Netanyahu and Trump have met since the start of Trump’s second term as President.
White House outlines meeting agenda
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump will host Netanyahu for a bilateral discussion. She said the broader agenda for the week will also include talks on energy and regulatory matters.
During a press briefing, Leavitt said, “The President will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a bilateral meeting. The remainder of the week will be focused on energy and deregulation."
Iran at the center of discussions
Before leaving for Washington, Netanyahu made it clear that the main purpose of his visit was to discuss Iran and the ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. According to The Times of Israel, he plans to present Israel’s stance on these talks directly to Trump.
One source said Israel does not fully trust that the early-stage negotiations between the US and Iran will lead to a successful outcome. Still, Israeli leaders are trying to make sure their security concerns are protected. They also want to maintain the country’s freedom to take military action if needed, even under any future agreement.
Intelligence sharing expected
Reports suggest that Netanyahu will also share new intelligence with Trump related to Iran’s military strength. CNN, quoting one of the sources, said the Israeli Prime Minister intends to present updated information during the meeting.
Before his departure, Netanyahu stressed that Iran would be the top priority in his discussions with Trump.
“On this trip, we will discuss a series of issues: Gaza, the region, but first and foremost, the negotiations with Iran," Netanyahu said before he boarded his aircraft. “I will present the President with our views regarding the essential principles of the negotiations – principles that, in our eyes, are vital not only for Israel but for anyone in the world who desires peace and security in the Middle East."
Wider regional issues also on table
Apart from Iran, the leaders are also expected to talk about the ongoing situation in Gaza and other regional developments. However, Netanyahu clearly indicated that Iran remains the most urgent and important topic for Israel in this high-level meeting.