US President Donald Trump hinted a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following his return from NATO summit next week. According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders over a telephonic conversation confirmed the meeting as early as next week.
“During their conversation, the Prime Minister said that the United States is a guarantor of global freedom, and that Israel greatly values the close relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump agreed to meet soon in the United States,” Netanyahu’s office said.
Interacting with a media agency, Trump confirming the news highlighted that Netanyahu requested the meeting. “We get along very good. (Netanyahu) knows who the boss is,” Trump said, referring to himself. According to information shared with the media agency, next week could be too soon for the visit because of Trump’s trip to Turkey for the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8, adding, “It might take place the week after, an Iranian official was quoted as saying”.
If the meeting is held, it will be the first time since February, the leaders are convening. The duo had met 7 months ago as they jointly planned the attack on Iran.
Reports indicate differences between the two leaders over the past few days. Trump reportedly criticised Netanyahu during a phone call last month over Israel’s escalation in Lebanon, describing the Israeli Prime Minister as “crazy” and accusing him of ingratitude. The differences are said to have widened because of the disagreements over regional security, Iran and domestic political priorities.
Despite Netanyahu’s obstinacy, Trump went ahead to sign the MoU with Iran calling ceasefire. He also urged Netanyahu to scale back Israeli military operations in Lebanon and support a framework agreement providing for an initial withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
This meet with Trump holds political importance to the Israeli PM who prepares for the October elections where opinion polls place him behind his rivals.