Trump and Netanyahu Meet Amid Heightened Tensions With Iran

President Donald Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, July 28. The visit, which includes attendance at the funeral of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, marks the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran began in February. The trip was briefly canceled in late July due to scheduling complications and reported frictions over U.S. calls for Israeli withdrawal from Syria and Lebanon.

Discussions are expected to focus on the conflict with Iran, which has seen nightly U.S. strikes following the collapse of a ceasefire and Memorandum of Understanding. Trump has indicated he is considering a massive attack against Iran, while Israeli officials may seek U.S. approval to strike Iranian energy infrastructure. In response, Iran has warned that any continued aggression will geographically expand the conflict across West Asia. Reports suggest the Trump administration may have paused some offensive operations to protect energy markets and stockpiles.

The meeting occurs as Netanyahu faces an International Criminal Court indictment for war crimes in Gaza. While New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for the warrant's execution, Trump explicitly stated that Netanyahu would not be arrested. The diplomatic atmosphere is further complicated by recent ICC turmoil, including the July 24 dismissal of Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, an event Netanyahu criticized.