Netanyahu meets Trump in Washington on Iran and Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington, D.C., on Monday, July 27, 2026, for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled for Tuesday, July 28. The visit, which includes paying respects at the funeral of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, marks Netanyahu's eighth face-to-face meeting with Trump since the president returned to office, underscoring the close, though recently strained, strategic alliance.

The prime minister's departure was delayed by approximately two hours, with his office providing no explanation. Flight tracking data indicated the state aircraft, Wing of Zion, ultimately took off from Nevatim Airbase near Beersheba shortly before 1 p.m. local time, rather than the originally scheduled Ben-Gurion International Airport.

In a video statement before departure, Netanyahu said the talks would cover all pending issues, with Iran as the top priority. He stated the goal was to protect Israel's security and expand regional peace, adding that complex times required both determination and wisdom. Netanyahu is expected to present intelligence on Iran's efforts to restore its nuclear capabilities and rebuild military infrastructure...