Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington Tuesday for his first face-to-face meeting with President Donald Trump since the two leaders jointly took the country to war against Iran — a sit-down that also gives Netanyahu an opportunity to repair what has become a strained relationship between the two.
The gathering carries significant weight for both men. Netanyahu is heading into a reelection battle and has been weakened politically, partly due to his rocky dynamic with Trump. Meanwhile, Trump is facing mounting pressure domestically to bring an end to a war that has proven deeply unpopular and has sent prices surging — all ahead of November’s midterm elections.
When reporters asked Trump on Monday whether he and Netanyahu were aligned on Iran, the president acknowledged a gap between them. “We have a little difference,” Trump said. “But pretty close, yeah.”
Beyond Iran, the two leaders are expected to discuss a framework agreement the United States and Israel reached with Lebanon regarding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, as well as efforts to expand the Abraham Accords. Those details came from a White House official who spoke without being identified in order to preview the upcoming meeting.
Netanyahu is lodging at Blair House, the official U.S. government guest residence located directly across from the White House. The surrounding streets have been heavily secured, with city police vehicles and dump trucks blocking vehicular access at key intersections, including Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street and near Lafayette Park. Only foot traffic is permitted in those areas.
The day’s schedule puts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy first, with his meeting set for 9:30 a.m., followed by Netanyahu at 11 a.m.
Zelenskyy made the trip to Washington primarily to pay respects to Sen. Lindsey Graham, whose final public act was a visit to Kyiv where he helped secure a sanctions package targeting countries that buy Russian oil, gas, and other exports. Tuesday’s meeting with Trump will be their second of the month.
Early Tuesday, Zelenskyy posted on X confirming his arrival in the United States and outlining his objectives. “Our schedule includes meetings with President Trump, his team, and those who can support our defense,” he wrote. “Our number one priority is anti-ballistic defense and strategic cooperation with America. Peace needs to be brought closer.”
The visit also coincides with memorial services for Sen. Graham being held across Washington. Trump is expected to speak at the cathedral, joined by Fox News’ Sean Hannity and other conservative figures.
