President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a closed-door meeting at the White House described as "positive and productive" by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The meeting, which lasted nearly 90 minutes, was their first since the two countries initiated a joint military campaign against Iran. Netanyahu called the talks "excellent," emphasizing "full partnership" and "mutual support" in their shared goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The discussions also encompassed the framework agreement between the U.S. and Israel with Lebanon concerning the Israel-Hezbollah war, and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords. Despite the positive assessment of the meeting, some tensions were evident prior to and during the talks. Trump earlier expressed slight differences with Netanyahu on the approach to Iran, particularly regarding the Israeli leader's desire to discuss Iranian nuclear activities at Pickaxe Mountain.
Both leaders are facing domestic pressures, with Netanyahu seeking re-election amidst a perceived deteriorating relationship with Trump, and Trump under pressure due to an unpopular war impacting the economy ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Netanyahu had sought the meeting to mend strains in their relationship and to share Israeli intelligence on Iran's nuclear program. Protesters were present outside the White House, chanting against Netanyahu.
