Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington earlier today (07/28) ahead of his highly anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Following the White House meeting, Netanyahu is scheduled to attend a memorial service for the late pro-Israel Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.
Read also: Why Netanyahu’s visit was delayed: Trump wanted “tangible diplomatic results” first, Israeli media report — leaders to meet Tuesday
Netanyahu will be staying overnight at Blair House, located just a short walk from the North Portico of the White House. Protesters gathered in the area early on Monday to voice their anger over Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza conflict and the ongoing war with Iran.
A critical meeting between Trump and Netanyahu
The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu, which is not expected to be open to the public, carries significant weight. Israel — the only country that partnered with the United States in the strike against Iran — was notably absent from the subsequent peace negotiations. Trump had previously expressed frustration with the Israeli leader, stating that Netanyahu “doesn’t see the big picture.”
What’s on the table
Also on the agenda is the contentious issue of the U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, a move Netanyahu firmly opposes. When asked about it in recent hours, Trump made his position clear, saying the U.S. will sell to whomever it chooses. “Nobody tells me what to sell,” the American president stated bluntly, according to Reuters.
