Trump says Israel depends on U.S. before White House meeting

President Donald Trump asserted that Israel's survival is dependent on the United States, making the remarks ahead of a scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, July 27, Trump stated that the U.S. is generous to many nations that would not survive without its support, explicitly naming Israel. He said Netanyahu would confirm this view during their talks.

The leaders are set to discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has been a central focus of their alliance. Netanyahu, in a statement before his departure, said the meeting would cover all issues but placed Iran at the forefront, with goals of safeguarding Israel's security and expanding peace. A source familiar with the Israeli leader's plans described him as traveling in "listening mode," though he aims to steer discussions beyond the immediate issue of securing the Strait of Hormuz. The source said Netanyahu wants to refocus on core objectives: preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, degrading its ballistic missile capabilities, and curtailing its support for proxy groups throughout the...