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The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing differences between Trump and Netanyahu over Iran, Lebanon and the broader direction of US policy in West Asia.
Trump’s remarks come as Netanyahu looks to reset ties with the White House amid signs of growing unease within the US administration. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
US President Donald Trump projected confidence ahead of a planned White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the Israeli leader “knows who the boss is” even as both sides work to finalise a visit expected in the coming weeks.
The remarks came after Netanyahu called Trump on Friday to congratulate the United States on the 250th anniversary of its Independence. According to the Israeli prime minister’s office, the two leaders agreed to meet soon in Washington, although officials indicated the visit may take place later than initially expected because of Trump’s travel schedule.
If it goes ahead, the meeting would be the first between the two leaders since their February discussions at the White House, when Netanyahu presented plans for a joint military campaign against Iran.
“We get along very good. He knows who the boss is,” Trump told American news outlet Axios in a brief phone interview on Saturday, referring to himself.
Growing differences
The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing differences between Trump and Netanyahu over Iran, Lebanon and the broader direction of US policy in West Asia.
According to Axiosseveral senior figures within Trump’s circle have become increasingly sceptical of Netanyahu in recent months, with one US official telling the publication that many of the president’s closest advisers believe the Israeli leader “was wrong about everything.” Axios
The report said Trump privately expressed frustration with Netanyahu after Israel escalated military operations in Lebanon last month, reportedly accusing him of undermining broader US diplomatic efforts in the region.
Despite Israeli reservations, Trump has continued to pursue diplomacy with Iran, extending the ceasefire framework and restarting nuclear negotiations. He has also reportedly urged Netanyahu to scale back Israeli military operations in Lebanon, arguing that continued fighting could complicate talks with Tehran.
The differences have also exposed divisions within Trump’s own political base, with several influential MAGA voices questioning Washington’s close alignment with Netanyahu and urging the administration to avoid deeper involvement in regional conflicts.
Political stakes
For Netanyahu, a White House visit would carry significant domestic political weight as he prepares for Israel’s October elections, where opinion polls suggest he faces a tougher electoral contest than in previous campaigns.
For Trump, the meeting would offer another opportunity to demonstrate that, despite growing policy differences, Washington continues to shape the strategic direction of one of its closest allies in the region.
About the Author
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c…Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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