Netanyahu, Trump to Hold First White House Meeting Since Iran War Began

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday for their first face-to-face talks since the outbreak of the Iran war, a conflict that has exposed occasional differences between the two leaders despite their longstanding alliance.

The meeting is expected to focus primarily on the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which began after U.S.-Israeli strikes in late February. Washington has indicated it is seeking to create space for renewed diplomatic negotiations, while Israel has stayed out of the latest round of hostilities between the United States and Iran that resumed earlier this month following the collapse of an April ceasefire.

This will be the eighth meeting between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump's return to office and their first in-person engagement since the conflict began.

Speaking before departing Israel, Netanyahu described the visit as both an honor and a significant responsibility, saying discussions would center on Iran while also exploring ways to strengthen Israel's security and broaden regional peace initiatives.

Although relations between the two leaders have appeared strained at times, particularly during April ceasefire negotiations when Trump publicly criticized Netanyahu, both leaders have since sought to downplay their disagreements. Netanyahu has characterized the differences as tactical rather than strategic, insisting they remain united on the broader objectives.

Beyond Iran, the talks are expected to cover the implementation of the U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon agreement signed last month, whose rollout has faced challenges on the ground. The leaders are also likely to discuss the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, where diplomatic progress has stalled amid the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Analysts say the meeting is also intended to demonstrate the strength of U.S.-Israel ties amid speculation of tensions between the two governments. According to regional experts, both leaders remain largely aligned on their long-term goals, with any differences centering on the pace and strategy of military operations rather than their overall objectives.

The discussions are also expected to touch on expanding the Abraham Accords and broader regional security, while Netanyahu's visit comes as he prepares for Israel's upcoming national elections, where recent opinion polls suggest he faces growing political pressure.