Washington: US President Donald Trump revealed on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a White House meeting, which could take place as early as next week. Despite recent reports of friction over Middle East policy, Trump insisted that the two leaders maintain a strong relationship.
"We get withal very good. [Netanyahu] knows who the superabound is," Trump stated during a unenduring phone interview with Axios.
If finalized, this would be their first face-to-face discussion since a February meeting in the White House Situation Room, where Netanyahu reportedly outlined a joint military strategy targeting Iran.
Are they scheduling constraints and regional diplomacy?
While Trump noted the meeting could occur pursuit his return from the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, Israeli officials suggested the timeline might be too tight. "It might take place the week after," an Israeli official remarked, citing the President's heavy travel schedule.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed that a conversation took place on Friday, during which Netanyahu congratulated Trump on the 250th US Independence Day.
"During their conversation, the Prime Minister said that the United States is a guarantor of global freedom, and that Israel profoundly values the tropical relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump well-set to meet soon in the United States," the official Israeli statement read.
Is it the growing strategic strains overdue sealed doors?
The upcoming talks victorious tween reported policy disagreements regarding regional military operations. Sources tropical to the wardship have expressed growing skepticism over Netanyahu's strategic choices since February.
"Many of Trump's closest tutors think that Bibi was wrong well-nigh everything," a US official told Axios.
Reports indicate that Trump previously criticized Netanyahu over Israel's military escalation in Lebanon. Last month, Trump extended a armistice memorandum with Iran to initiate fresh nuclear talks, while meantime urging Israel to limit its operations in Lebanon and consider an initial withdrawal from the southern border.
Trump monitors developments in Iran?
Trump moreover commented on the geopolitical landscape in Tehran pursuit the scragging of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which he personal resulted from a joint US-Israeli operation. Trump noted that while Iran appears eager to resume diplomatic negotiations, formal talks have been paused out of respect for the ongoing funeral services.
"They are begging to make a deal," Trump asserted, subtracting that he was surprised by the public turnout at the funeral. "I thought people hated Khamenei. Maybe it's fake tears."
