For the seventh time in about 13 months, his prime minister is on the phone with the US president, while the agenda is full of critical issues, such as the Gaza Peace Council and the tension seen in relations with Iran both over its nuclear program, as well as other issues of concern to the US and the Israeli side, such as Tehran’s missile arsenal.
As Netanyahu’s main goal, according to most reports, is to influence the developments regarding the talks that have started between the US and Iran with the mediation of Oman, the Israeli prime minister accepted before going through the door for the private “closed” meeting with Trump, to sign a relevant text presented to him by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to Jerusalem Mike Huckabee, for for Israel to join Trump’s Peace Council on Gaza (and beyond).
He then moved on to the meeting with Trump, according to Israeli media reports, also attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the president’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner and Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
What Israel fears about Iran, what Trump says
Israel fears the US may seek a limited nuclear deal that would not include curbs on Iran’s ballistic missile program or an end to Tehran’s support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, according to sources familiar with the matter. Israeli officials have urged the US not to trust Iran’s commitments.
Tehran’s regional influence has been weakened by Israel’s attack in June, the losses of its allies in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq, and the overthrow of its ally, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
However, Israel is concerned that its rivals may regroup after the multi-front war triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on southern Israel.
“I will present to the president our understanding of the negotiations,” Netanyahu told reporters before departing for the US. According to one source, the two leaders may also discuss the possibility of military action if diplomacy with Iran fails.
Trump has threatened military strikes against Iran if a deal is not reached, while Tehran has vowed to respond, raising fears of a wider war. The US president has repeatedly expressed his support for the security of Israel, a long-time US ally and Iran’s main rival.
In media interviews, Trump repeated his warning, saying that while he believed Iran wanted a deal, he would do “something very tough” if it was not reached.
Trump told Fox Business that a good deal with Iran would mean “no nuclear weapons, no missiles,” without elaborating. At the same time, he told Axios that he is considering sending a second aircraft carrier strike group as part of a major US military buildup near Iran.
Away from the cameras, Netanyahu’s entrance into the White House
Netanyahu’s arrival at the White House was more low-key than usual. He entered the building away from reporters and cameras, and a White House official later confirmed that he was inside and meeting with Trump.
Gaza was also on the agenda for the meeting, with Trump seeking to advance the cease-fire agreement he helped shape. However, progress on the 20-point plan to end the war and rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory has stalled due to serious disagreements, including the disarmament of Hamas and the extremely slow withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Netanyahu’s visit, originally scheduled for February 18, was rushed amid US involvement with Iran. Both sides said the talks in Oman were positive and that new rounds of negotiations are expected.
