Netanyahu to meet Trump in Washington amid tensions with Iran, Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on February 15, marking his first face-to-face meeting with the new president.

The White House confirmed the meeting, emphasizing the crucial security partnership between the two nations. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer stated that Trump looks forward to discussing areas of strategic, technological, military, and intelligence cooperation with Netanyahu, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Netanyahu, in a subsequent statement, expressed his gratitude for the invitation and Trump's supportive remarks about Israel. "I look forward to discussing with him the areas of cooperation between us that are so vital to the security and well-being of our two countries," said Netanyahu.

The leaders, who spoke on the phone last week, are expected to address key issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Iranian nuclear agreement, and the ongoing threats from Tehran. The meeting is seen as a potential reset in US-Israel relations, which had been strained during the administration of former President Barack Obama.

One of the main topics Netanyahu plans to raise with Trump is Iran's nuclear program. The Israeli prime minister has been a vocal critic of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, calling it a "historic mistake." Netanyahu intends to push for the renewal of sanctions on Iran, including those related to its ballistic missile program and its sponsorship of terrorism. Iran's recent test of a nuclear-capable missile has only heightened concerns about its destabilizing activities in the region.

Netanyahu’s concerns about Iran align with those of the Trump administration, which has also been critical of the nuclear deal. However, Trump has not yet moved to abrogate the agreement, despite his previous criticisms. During a phone call with Saudi King Salman earlier this week, Trump emphasized his commitment to "rigorously enforce" the deal and address Iran's destabilizing activities.

Another crucial issue to be discussed is the future of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, particularly the question of relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump has expressed support for moving the embassy during his campaign, but since taking office, he has indicated uncertainty about the timing. In a recent interview, Trump acknowledged the complexity of the decision, stating that detailed studies were underway.

Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to Washington follows a diplomatic controversy after he tweeted support for Trump’s proposed border wall with Mexico, which sparked a brief diplomatic dispute. Despite occasional tensions, Netanyahu has generally avoided publicly criticizing Trump since his election, including over the US ban on travellers from seven countries.

Following his Washington visit, Netanyahu will embark on a diplomatic tour to Singapore and Australia. He is scheduled to depart for Southeast Asia on February 19 and will visit Melbourne from February 22 before returning to Israel on February 24.

By Khagan Isayev