US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke over the phone and agreed to meet in the United States in the near future, according to a statement released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
During the conversation, the two leaders discussed the close relationship between the United States and Israel. They also decided to hold an in-person meeting in the US at a later date to continue discussions on matters of mutual interest.
“The Prime Minister said in their conversation that the US is a guarantor of global freedom, and Israel greatly appreciates the close ties between nations," the statement said. “Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump agreed to meet soon in the US," it furthered.
The phone call also included Netanyahu congratulating President Trump on the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Call Comes Amid Differences Over Regional Conflict
The conversation took place at a time when disagreements have surfaced between the two leaders over efforts to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Although Trump and Netanyahu continue to maintain close diplomatic ties, reports have indicated that they have held different views on how to address the regional crisis. Trump has previously criticised Netanyahu for extending the conflict, while Israel has expressed concerns about Washington’s recent diplomatic approach toward Iran.
Netanyahu Rejects New York Times Report
Earlier on Friday, Netanyahu’s office strongly rejected a report published by The New York Times, which claimed that Israel had considered assassinating senior Iranian leaders during negotiations with Iran last month. The Prime Minister’s Office called the report “fake news" and described it as “a total distortion of reality."
According to the newspaper, US officials were reportedly worried that Israel might target Iranian representatives involved in the negotiations, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, while peace talks were underway.
However, Netanyahu’s office firmly denied the allegations and dismissed the report as inaccurate.
Differences Over Iran Strategy
The latest developments also highlight differences between Washington and Jerusalem over Iran. Trump has, on several occasions, criticised Netanyahu for continuing the conflict in West Asia rather than pursuing a quicker resolution.
At the same time, Israeli officials have voiced concern over the United States' decision to reach a peace agreement with Iran. They believe Washington should have taken a tougher stance and increased pressure on Tehran instead of pursuing a diplomatic settlement.
Despite these differences, both leaders agreed to strengthen communication and plan an upcoming meeting in the United States, signalling that close cooperation between the two allies will continue.