Netanyahu Arrives in Washington for Meeting with Trump, Iran Tops Agenda

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington early Tuesday leading an official delegation. This marks his seventh visit to the U.S. capital during President Donald Trump's second term.

According to the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu departed from the Nevatim Airbase aboard the presidential plane "Wing of Zion" rather than from Ben Gurion Airport, citing security reasons. Unlike previous visits, he did not bring a press contingent with him.

The newspaper reported that the upcoming Netanyahu-Trump meeting will be their eighth during Trump's current presidency, including the brief visit Trump made to Israel last October.

It also noted that no other world leader has met President Trump as frequently as Netanyahu has during this term.

Netanyahu's schedule indicates the meeting is set for 11 a.m. Washington time (6 p.m. Israel time) on Tuesday. Approximately three hours later, Netanyahu is expected to attend the funeral of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

While Netanyahu's agenda for Wednesday has not been disclosed, additional meetings are anticipated before he departs Washington Thursday night to return to Israel.

The visit follows reports of tensions between Trump and Netanyahu, including allegations that the president used derogatory language about the Israeli leader in private conversations.

For Netanyahu, the meeting also aims to demonstrate—to Iran, the American public, and Israelis—that his relationship with Trump remains strong and that he continues to receive full official recognition.

Before boarding the plane to Washington, Netanyahu appeared in a video alongside his wife Sara, stating: "We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, foremost among them Iran. Naturally, our goal is to maintain our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us."

Concerns existed within Netanyahu's circle about the possibility the meeting might not take place; the visit was postponed twice, and a preparatory team from the Prime Minister’s office traveled to Washington three times, returning without completing the visit on two occasions.

The newspaper suggests Netanyahu's difficulties in Washington may be less about Trump himself and more related to several of the president’s closest advisers, including Vice President J.D. Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

It added that Netanyahu is unpopular among some figures close to Trump as well as within broad sectors of Washington, particularly among Democrats and parts of the Republican Party.

Nonetheless, Netanyahu believes a private meeting with Trump will improve communication and allow the two leaders to coordinate more effectively on future steps.

Regarding Iran, the report indicates Netanyahu does not wish to appear as a warmonger and is unlikely to publicly pressure Trump to resume military action. However, his broader message will emphasize the eventual downfall of the Iranian regime.

Lebanon is another key topic on the agenda. Last week, President Trump held a meeting with Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun, which officials described as highly successful.

Reports highlight the development of a strong personal rapport between Trump and Aoun. Washington is now seeking to expand a pilot program in southern Lebanon that enables the Lebanese army to deploy in additional areas.

Israel has expressed willingness to broaden these pilot programs but insists on maintaining a security zone in both Lebanon and Syria. Netanyahu is expected to caution that despite the positive atmosphere, the Lebanese army remains incapable of disarming Hezbollah, so any expansion of the operation must proceed with caution.