Overview
- Netanyahu departed Monday for Washington to hold his first in-person talks with President Trump since the Iran war began and to attend Senator Lindsey Graham’s memorial.
- The meeting comes after the U.S. temporarily halted strikes on Iran and Tehran said it would suspend attacks while that pause continues, creating space for direct diplomacy between Washington and Tehran.
- Netanyahu told reporters he will prioritize Iran in the talks and warned that any Iranian attack on Israel would trigger a "very, very forceful" Israeli response.
- The leaders are also set to discuss implementing a U.S.-backed Israel-Lebanon framework, Gaza reconstruction and security arrangements, and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords.
- The summit tests a frayed alliance: tactical disagreements have surfaced in recent months over Lebanon, Gaza and arms sales, and both leaders face domestic political pressure that shapes their choices on military action and diplomacy.