US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House on Tuesday for their first face-to-face talks since the two countries launched a joint military campaign against Iran, with both leaders seeking to manage differences over the future course of the conflict.The closed-door meeting lasted nearly 90 minutes and was “positive and productive,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, without providing further details, as per AP.After the meeting, Netanyahu described the talks as “excellent”, saying they reflected close coordination between the two allies.“When I say excellent, I don’t mean it in a superficial way,” Netanyahu said in a video posted on Instagram.“A conversation with full partnership, with mutual support, with an understanding of the common goal of ensuring that Iran does not have nuclear weapons, and other goals as well. One of the best conversations I’ve had with the President of the United States, our friend Donald Trump.”
Differences over Iran surface ahead of talks
The meeting came against the backdrop of signs of strain in the relationship, particularly over Iran.Ahead of the talks, Trump publicly criticised reports suggesting Netanyahu intended to discuss Israeli intelligence on Iran’s alleged activities at Pickaxe Mountain, a site believed to be linked to Tehran’s nuclear programme.“I know exactly what’s going on at Pickaxe,” Trump told Fox & Friends.He added that whatever Iran was doing there was “not a big problem” and suggested Netanyahu wanted to keep Washington deeply involved in the issue.“Bibi’s telling me that because he wants me to stay involved,” Trump said.“Why do you have to announce to the world?” he added, expressing frustration over the reports.On Monday, Trump acknowledged there were some differences between the two leaders on Iran.“We have a little difference,” he told reporters. “But pretty close, yeah.”According to news agency AP, Netanyahu planned to share Israeli intelligence on Iran’s nuclear programme during the visit, while also seeking to understand Trump’s strategy towards Tehran in the coming weeks.Speaking before his trip, Netanyahu had said he hoped to hear “what he has in mind” regarding Iran.“Because I think, in many ways, it’s his decision,” Netanyahu told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures.“If he can do so without returning to intense military fighting, that’s fine. Why not? But one way or the other, they have to end their nuclear program,” he said.
Gaza, Lebanon and regional diplomacy on agenda
Besides Iran, the two leaders were expected to discuss the implementation of the US-Israel framework agreement with Lebanon following the conflict with Hezbollah, as well as efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, according to a White House official cited by AP.Israel has recently agreed to allow the Lebanese Army to deploy in parts of southern Lebanon under a pilot arrangement, with the next round of talks between Israel and Lebanon scheduled to take place in Rome next week, according to the US State Department.On Gaza, Israel’s security cabinet has approved a measure that would allow the first members of a proposed international stabilisation force to enter parts of the territory under a US-backed ceasefire framework.The force would initially operate in a limited area in Rafah, although only a few countries have so far pledged troops.
Domestic pressures and changing political dynamics
The meeting came as both leaders face political challenges at home.Netanyahu is preparing for elections while also dealing with criticism over his handling of relations with the Trump administration.Trump, meanwhile, faces pressure to bring an end to the conflict with Iran amid concerns over its economic impact ahead of November’s midterm elections.The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has fluctuated over the years. While the two leaders initially presented a united front after launching military operations against Iran earlier this year, differences have emerged as Trump has increasingly pursued diplomatic engagement with Tehran while Netanyahu has favoured maintaining military pressure.Israeli political analyst Amit Segal wrote in Israel Hayom that “the Americans are making it clear to the Israelis they are the ones who are running the war,” adding that “Israel has been put in the back seat,” according to AP.Outside the White House, a small group of demonstrators protested Netanyahu’s visit, chanting slogans including “Netanyahu, you’re a tyrant” and “Bibi, you’re not welcome here,” AP reported.The visit also comes at a time when public support for Israel in the United States has declined.An AP-NORC poll published earlier this month found a significant erosion in support for Israel among American adults, while Vice President JD Vance had reportedly warned Israeli officials in June that Trump remained their strongest international ally.