Former President Donald Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views him as the ultimate authority in their relationship and has requested a White House meeting as soon as next week. Trump made these assertions in a phone call with Axios.
This potential meeting would be the first in-person encounter between the two leaders since early February. Netanyahu's office confirmed that the prime minister requested the meeting during a Friday call to congratulate Trump on the United States' 250th anniversary. According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, the two leaders agreed to meet soon in the United States.
However, Trump is scheduled to attend the NATO summit in Turkey on Tuesday and Wednesday. An Israeli official suggested the meeting might occur the week following the summit.
Trump's comments highlight a period of tension in US-Israel relations, which have frayed at times since the joint US-Israeli attacks against Iran in late February. Reports indicate disagreements over Israel's continued attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which reportedly disrupted peace negotiations with Iran. During a call last month, Trump reportedly called Netanyahu "f***ing crazy" and expressed frustration over the actions.
The request for a meeting comes as American public opinion towards Israel has seen a significant decline among both Democrats and Republicans. Administration officials have also reportedly grown skeptical of Netanyahu's leadership. The note of discord is further evidenced by recent primary victories for progressive, pro-Palestinian candidates in several states and critical commentary from conservative figures like Tucker Carlson.
With the Israeli prime ministerial election scheduled for October, and Netanyahu trailing in polls, mending the relationship with the United States appears to be a significant goal. Securing a meeting with Trump is seen as a step toward that objective.
During the same interview, Trump also commented on the ongoing funeral proceedings for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a joint US-Israeli strike. Trump indicated that the US and Iran have agreed to a one-week pause in peace negotiations to coincide with the funeral, asserting that the cease-fire between the two nations would be maintained during this period. He reiterated a firm stance against Iran, warning of potential renewed attacks should negotiations falter, stating, "One shot [and we can take them all out], but we are not going to do that because then we would have nobody to negotiate with."
