Former President Donald Trump asserted his dominance in the relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that Netanyahu "knows who the boss is." Trump also claimed that Netanyahu has requested an in-person meeting at the White House, potentially as soon as next week.
The remarks come as the relationship between the U.S. and Israel has shown signs of strain since joint attacks against Iran began in late February. Reports indicate that communication between the leaders has been tense at times, with Trump expressing frustration over Israeli actions in Lebanon that reportedly disrupted peace negotiations with Iran.
According to Netanyahu's office, the prime minister initiated a call with Trump on Friday to congratulate him on America's 250th anniversary. During this conversation, Netanyahu reportedly requested the meeting, stating that "the United States is a guarantor of global freedom, and that Israel greatly values the close relationship between the two nations." The prime minister's office confirmed that both leaders "agreed to meet soon in the United States."
While Trump indicated the meeting could occur next week, his scheduled attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey on Tuesday and Wednesday may push the meeting to the following week, according to an Israeli official.
This potential meeting follows a period of declining American public opinion toward Israel among both Democrats and Republicans. Additionally, some Trump administration officials have reportedly grown skeptical of Netanyahu's leadership. Sources cited by Axios suggested that some close advisors to Trump believe Netanyahu was mistaken on key issues. The potential meeting comes as Netanyahu faces an upcoming Israeli election in October, where he is currently trailing in polls.
During his interview, Trump also commented on the ongoing funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike early in the war with Iran. Trump stated that the U.S. and Iran had agreed to a one-week pause in peace negotiations to observe the funeral proceedings, maintaining a ceasefire in the interim. He reiterated a firm stance against Iran, threatening further action if negotiations failed.
