President Donald Trump has indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could visit the White House as early as next week, potentially marking another high-profile meeting between the longtime allies amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking to Axios on Saturday, Trump said Netanyahu had requested the meeting, suggesting it could take place after he returns from the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, scheduled for July 7-8.
If the visit goes ahead, it would be Netanyahu’s seventh trip to the United States since Trump returned to the White House for his second term in January 2025.
Trump Dismisses Talk of a Rift
Although reports have suggested recent disagreements between the two leaders, Trump downplayed any speculation that their relationship has deteriorated.
“We get along very good,” Trump said during the interview, before adding, “He knows who the boss is.”
The comments come after weeks of reports highlighting differences over military operations in the region, particularly Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon while the Trump administration has pushed for broader diplomatic efforts.
Growing Friction Over Regional Conflicts
Recent months have exposed signs of tension between Washington and Jerusalem despite the close alliance between the two governments.
Trump has publicly criticized Israel’s continued military operations in Lebanon, expressing concern that they could undermine efforts to maintain a broader ceasefire involving Iran.
According to previous reports, Trump even described Netanyahu as “crazy” during a private phone conversation, later confirming he had become frustrated with Israel’s continued fighting in Lebanon.
Despite those remarks, Trump has repeatedly insisted that he still enjoys a strong working relationship with the Israeli prime minister.
“We’ve worked very well together. I like Bibi a lot,” Trump previously said.
US Support for Israel Remains Strong
The United States continues to be Israel’s closest ally, providing billions of dollars in military assistance and diplomatic support.
Since World War II, Israel has received more cumulative U.S. foreign aid than any other country. A 2016 agreement committed the United States to providing $38 billion in military assistance over a ten-year period, with additional aid approved during more recent conflicts.
While the Trump administration has continued to back Israel, public opinion has become increasingly divided over America’s involvement in regional conflicts.
Recent polling has suggested many Americans question continued military engagement in the Middle East, with growing numbers also believing the U.S. is too supportive of Israel.
Another High-Profile Meeting Could Be Ahead
Neither the White House nor Netanyahu’s office has officially confirmed the visit.
However, if the meeting takes place, it will likely focus on the ongoing security situation in the Middle East, U.S.-Israel cooperation, Iran, and regional ceasefire efforts.
The visit would also reinforce Netanyahu’s status as the foreign leader who has met with Trump more than any other since his return to office, underscoring the importance of the relationship despite occasional public disagreements.
