President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked to visit the White House and suggested the meeting could take place soon after next week’s NATO summit, while also making a bold remark about their relationship.
Speaking in a brief phone interview with Axios on Saturday, July 4, Trump said he and Netanyahu continue to have a strong working relationship despite reports of recent disagreements over Middle East policy.
“We get along very good,” Trump said.
Trump then added, “[Netanyahu] knows who the boss is.”
Trump Confirms Netanyahu Requested White House Meeting
The comments came as Trump confirmed that Netanyahu had requested a meeting in Washington and said it could happen as early as next week after he returns from the NATO summit in Turkey.
An Israeli official told Axios that the visit could instead take place the following week due to scheduling constraints related to Trump’s overseas trip.
“It might take place the week after,” the official said.
If the visit goes ahead, it would mark the first White House meeting between the two leaders since February, when Netanyahu met Trump to discuss military plans involving Iran.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the two leaders spoke by phone on Friday after the Israeli prime minister called to congratulate Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence.
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According to a statement released by Netanyahu’s office, the leaders agreed to meet in the United States in the near future.
“The Prime Minister said in the conversation that the U.S. is a guarantor of global freedom, and Israel highly appreciates the close bond between the two nations,” the statement said.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump agreed to meet in the U.S. in the near future.”
The possible meeting comes after months in which reports suggested differences had emerged between Washington and Jerusalem over several regional issues.
According to Axios, some people close to Trump have become increasingly skeptical of Netanyahu following their February meeting.
Why U.S.-Israel Differences Have Emerged
The outlet also reported that Trump criticized Netanyahu during a phone call last month over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, accusing the Israeli leader of escalating tensions while the United States sought to keep diplomatic talks with Iran on track.
Trump has also backed extending a ceasefire with Iran and reopening negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, positions that have not always aligned with Netanyahu’s approach.
How Iran and Lebanon Are Shaping the Talks
Despite those differences, Trump’s latest comments suggested the relationship between the two leaders remains intact as discussions continue over another White House meeting.
During the interview, Trump also discussed developments involving Iran following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Trump said he has been following funeral ceremonies taking place in Iran and claimed negotiations between Washington and Tehran have been temporarily paused until the events conclude.
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According to Trump, both sides agreed not to carry out military action during that period.
“They are all there. 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,” Trump said.
He also claimed that Iranian officials are eager to resume negotiations.
“They are begging to make a deal,” Trump said.
Trump said he was surprised to see mourners grieving during Khamenei’s funeral.
“Maybe it’s fake tears,” he said.
What a New Trump-Netanyahu Meeting Could Mean
The White House has not announced an official date for Netanyahu’s visit, and Israeli officials have also not confirmed a finalized schedule.
A meeting between the two leaders would come at a politically significant moment for both governments.
The two leaders have worked closely on several major foreign policy initiatives over the years, although recent developments involving Iran and Lebanon have shown their differences over how to manage security challenges in the region.
