Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss critical issues concerning Iran and the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu entered the White House through a back entrance, avoiding cameras, emphasizing the discreet nature of the meeting. Prior to this, he had a session with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and joined Trump's Gaza Peace Council, highlighting his ongoing diplomatic engagements related to the region.

Netanyahu is anticipated to urge Trump against a narrow agreement with Iran, contending that it should address broader concerns beyond just nuclear issues. This aligns with Trump administration’s stance, as articulated by Vice President Mike Pence, emphasizing that the aim is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while allowing the Iranian populace to determine their future. Pence noted that the administration will continue to pursue diplomatic avenues to address threats but reserves the right to military action, given the significant capabilities of the US military.

This is the seventh meeting between Netanyahu and Trump since the latter began his second term as President in January of the previous year. Originally, they were set to convene next week during the AIPAC pro-Israel conference, but the meeting was moved up to address the commencement of negotiations between the US and Iran, indicating a sense of urgency in the trilateral discussions. Sources suggest Netanyahu believes there is an imperative to influence the negotiations at this early stage.