Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Tuesday, marking their first encounter since the two leaders launched a joint war against Iran. The meeting serves as a pivotal opportunity for the Prime Minister to address and potentially smooth out strains that have developed in his relationship with the U.S. president.
Both leaders are currently navigating significant domestic pressures; Netanyahu is facing a reelection campaign while dealing with the fallout of his deteriorating rapport with the White House, while President Trump is under intense pressure to conclude an unpopular war that has caused economic havoc and rising prices ahead of the November midterm elections.
According to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the event, the two leaders plan to discuss the framework agreement signed by the U.S. and Israel regarding the Israel-Hezbollah war, as well as the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords. When asked by reporters on Monday whether he and the Israeli Prime Minister were on the same page regarding Iran, Trump acknowledged some friction, stating, "We have a little difference. But pretty close, yeah."
The relationship between the two leaders has historically been hot-and-cold, though their alliance appeared stronger than ever upon Trump's return to the White House last year. When the war began in February, they presented a united front, with both leaders touting their militaries as acting in lockstep to dismantle Iran's leadership and establish a government more friendly to the West.
However, the conflict intensified as Iran retaliated by launching drones and missiles at U.S. bases and high-rises in Gulf cities, while also choking off the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation has placed Trump under immense pressure from both domestic critics and regional allies to end the conflict.
Writing in the daily newspaper Israel Hayom on Monday, Israeli journalist and political analyst Amit Segal noted the shifting power dynamic, stating, "The Americans are making it clear to the Israelis they are the ones who are running the war. It is clear to everyone that Israel has been put in the back seat." During an appearance on Fox News Channel's "Sunday Morning Futures" with Maria Bartiromo, Netanyahu expressed his hope to hear what Trump has in mind for the future of the conflict.
"Because I think, in many ways, it's his decision," Netanyahu said, adding that he would prefer to avoid intense military fighting if possible, provided that Iran's nuclear program is ended. He also issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that any attack on Israel would be met with a "very forceful" response.
Netanyahu also faces the challenge of persuading Trump that he will not undermine U.S. diplomatic and reconstruction efforts in Gaza and Lebanon, particularly after the president previously complained that "too many people are being killed" by Israeli strikes. Israel has recently taken steps in both regions.
In Lebanon, where the Israeli military occupies much of the south, Israel has agreed to a "pilot program" allowing the Lebanese army to deploy to certain villages to test their ability to secure areas formerly held by Hezbollah.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that the next round of talks between Israel and Lebanon will occur next week in Rome to focus on expanding this program.
Regarding Gaza, Israel has indicated it would approve the entry of international troops on a case-by-case basis. These forces, which include personnel from countries such as Morocco and Uganda, would only be permitted to operate in a small, desolate area of Rafah to vet and house displaced Palestinians. Despite these efforts, the Israeli military continues to carry out strikes that it claims target militants but have also resulted in civilian deaths.
Israel has lost significant bipartisan support in the United States, a trend highlighted by an AP-NORC poll published earlier this month that showed a dramatic erosion of support for Israel among American adults.
Political commentator Ben Caspit of the Israeli newspaper Maariv summarized the sentiment, writing, "We've lost America. Thank you, Bibi." J.D. Vance, who warned Israeli officials in June that Trump was their only friend among world leaders, is expected to attend the meeting with Netanyahu, according to a person familiar with the plans.
FILE – President Donald Trump listens as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club, Dec. 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption
Young men ride motorcycles along the shore as a tractor pulls equipment from the water and commercial vessels appear anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, Monday, July 27, 2026. Razieh Poudat/ISNA via AP hide caption
