Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might head to the White House next week, President Donald Trump suggested. It'd be Netanyahu's first U.S . trip since military actions against Iran began.
Speaking to Axios Saturday,Trump hinted talks are on table . Visit could fit Trump's schedule after NATO summit in Ankara,Turkey on July 7-8.
But behind scenes, tensions simmer. Israel opposes U.S. attempts to broker Iran ceasefire. Trump not happy with Israeli military moves in Lebanon,saying they hurt peace efforts.
“We get along very good . [Netanyahu] knows who boss is,” Trump said,downplaying any rift.
U.S.-Israel alliance runs deep . U.S . recognized Israel back in 1948. Since then,Israel's top recipient of U.S. aid, thanks to a 2016 deal for $38 billion over ten years. This aid continues despite Israel's actions in Gaza.
Under Trump,U.S. hit Iran militarily,with major moves in June 2025 and again from February 28. These actions have sparked backlash, called unjustified aggression, raising legal questions internationally. Domestically, Trump criticized for deploying troops without Congress okay.
Quinnipiac poll shows 60% say Iran conflict "not worth it," and 48% worry U.S. backs Israel too much. As Trump's ratings dip,Republicans face hurdles ahead of November midterms.
Despite discontent,Trump team defends military moves as crucial to stop Iran's nukes — claim Tehran denies,saying their enrichment is for energy.
To ease tensions,Trump announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8, now extended indefinitely. A U.S.-Iran agreement to stop hostilities signed June 17,but adherence shaky. Skirmishes persist in Strait of Hormuz, and Israel continues Lebanon actions,breaching ceasefire.
Trump's frustrated with Israel's Lebanon operations,prompting Iranian threats to close Strait of Hormuz . In June call,he reportedly called Netanyahu “f***ing crazy,” over Lebanon conflict worries. Yet Trump asserts his strong ties with Netanyahu,saying, “I like Bibi lot. And I work very well with him.”
If Netanyahu visits Washington this month, it'd be his seventh U.S . trip during Trump's presidency — a record for any leader since Trump took office in January 2025. His last visit was February,just before Israel's first strikes against Iran in this conflict.
Notably, both Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant face arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court,though neither U.S . nor Israel recognizes court's jurisdiction.
