Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has departed for Washington, D.C., for his first White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in more than five months, with Iran expected to be the central focus of their talks.
Speaking before his departure, Netanyahu said the discussions would center on Israel’s security and regional stability.”In these complex times one must act with both great determination and great wisdom,” Netanyahu said. “We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran. Our goal is to safeguard our security while also expanding the circle of peace around us.”
The meeting comes during a relative pause in hostilities following nearly two weeks of U.S. airstrikes on Iran and retaliatory Iranian attacks across the Middle East. While fighting has subsided in recent days, tensions remain high after the collapse of a ceasefire memorandum over disagreements surrounding control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump on Tuesday at 11 a.m. local time. He will also attend a memorial service for former U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, whom he described as “one of Israel’s greatest friends.”
Heightened Security Surrounding Departure
Netanyahu’s departure was marked by unusually tight security. Instead of leaving from Ben Gurion Airport, the prime minister’s aircraft departed from Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel. Israeli media reported the change was made because of potential security threats linked to Iran.
The Israeli cabinet also reportedly held its weekly meeting at an undisclosed underground location as a precaution.
In another departure from normal protocol, Israeli journalists were not permitted to travel aboard the government aircraft, with no official explanation provided.
Regional Issues Also on Agenda
Beyond Iran, Netanyahu and Trump are expected to discuss developments in Gaza, Lebanon and broader Middle East diplomacy.
Israel’s security cabinet recently approved the limited deployment of an International Stabilization Force into Gaza as part of a U.S.-backed proposal aimed at stabilizing the territory. However, disagreements remain over reconstruction plans and Hamas’s refusal to disarm.
The leaders are also expected to review efforts to implement a U.S.-brokered security arrangement in southern Lebanon, where Lebanese army forces have begun deploying in areas previously occupied by Israeli troops. Israeli officials remain cautious about Lebanon’s ability to disarm Hezbollah but view the initiative as a potential step toward long-term regional stability.
Saudi Arabia is also expected to feature in the discussions following a new U.S.-Saudi agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation, a deal that has prompted debate over regional security and nuclear proliferation
