US President Donald Trump said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting with him at the White House.
In a brief telephone interview, Trump spoke about his relationship with Netanyahu, saying, “We have a very good relationship. Netanyahu knows who the boss is.”
The meeting between the two leaders could take place as early as next week, after Trump returns from the NATO summit.
Their last meeting was held in February in the White House Situation Room. In the meeting, Netanyahu presented a plan for launching a joint military campaign against Iran.
Reports emerged in June suggesting tensions had developed between Trump and Netanyahu over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon. Following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, Iran signalled that it was suspending talks with the US, a move that was seen as a setback to Trump’s efforts to prevent a broader conflict.
Trump described Netanyahu as “crazy” during a phone call. Trump later confirmed in an interview that he had used strong language about the Israeli leader, saying, “I wouldn’t say I was angry, but I was getting a little frustrated with his continued fighting in Lebanon.”
It has also been reported that Netanyahu had reservations about the ceasefire memorandum the United States signed with Iran.
In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said Netanyahu called Trump to congratulate him on the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence.
The statement added, “During the conversation, the PM said that the US is the guarantor of global freedom and that Israel greatly values the close relationship between the two countries. PM Netanyahu and President Trump agreed to meet in the United States.”
White House meeting with Trump would be of significant political importance for Netanyahu as he prepares to launch his campaign for Israel’s October elections, where current opinion polls show him trailing.
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