Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Monday to meet with President Donald Trump and attend services for the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Netanyahu is scheduled to discuss pressing regional issues with Trump, with Iran's nuclear program identified as a primary focus. In a social media post, Netanyahu stated their shared objective is to "safeguard Israel’s security, strengthen its power, and expand the circle of peace around us."
The visit occurs as the United States has halted its airstrikes against Iran after 13 consecutive nights of operations. According to an interview with Fox News Channel, Netanyahu believes that while U.S. and Israeli actions have significantly set back Iran's nuclear ambitions, continuous monitoring is essential to prevent Tehran from reviving its program.
Netanyahu opted to travel from an Israeli Air Force installation near Beersheba instead of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, a decision reportedly made in response to potential threats from Iran. The 76-year-old leader's travel arrangements underscore the heightened security concerns surrounding his trip.
The discussions between Netanyahu and Trump are expected to cover a range of bilateral and regional matters, with the ongoing situation involving Iran taking precedence. The prime minister's emphasis on maintaining a "constant, constant watch" highlights Israel's ongoing security concerns regarding Iran's nuclear activities.